Get a free lock, especially if you own these cars
Police want to make sure your car, well, is still yours.
The Vancouver police are handing out free steering wheel locks to drivers whose vehicles are not equipped with a car alarm or anti-theft technology. Police have also announced the 10 most stolen vehicles in Vancouver last year.
“The VPD is committed to combating property crime and its drivers in Vancouver,” said Const. Jason Doucette.
“We know that stolen vehicles are not being used for commuting — most are being used to commit additional crimes. Simply making your car harder to steal can reduce overall crime in the city.”
In 2015, there were 1,385 vehicles stolen in Vancouver. That number increased to 1,473 in 2016 and 1,495 last year.
Among the most popular targets for car thieves in Vancouver are:
1. Honda Civic / CRX (pre-2000)
2. Honda Accord (pre-1996)
3. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (pre-2000)
4. Ford F-150XLT (all years)
5. Ford Econoline E250 (pre-2013)
6. Honda CRV (1997-1999)
7. Toyota Corolla (all years)
8. Dodge Caravan (pre-2006)
9. Acura Integra (1992-1996)
10. Ford F250 SuperCab (19972004)
Doucette said there is more than 1,000 steering wheel locks being handed out, available starting Tuesday
while supplies last.
Once the locks are gone, the VPD will consider whether the program can be extended.
“Our goal is to get them into the
hands of everyone who needs it,” Doucette said.
And what if you live somewhere else but work and spend time in Vancouver? You’re still eligible to pick up a free steering lock.
“We’re not going to turn you away,” said Doucette. “Basically, people who steal these cars — they don’t respect boundaries. So they might steal a car in Vancouver and do crime in Burnaby.”
The locks can be found at the following community policing centres:
■ Collingwood — 5160 Joyce St.
■ Hastings Sunrise — 2620 East Hastings St.
■ Kitsilano-Fairview — Unit 78, 1687 West Broadway Ave.
■ Granville Downtown — 1263 Granville St.
The steering wheel locks were paid for through funding from the Vancouver Police Foundation and ICBC.