Stay one step ahead of auto crime by taking some pre-emptive measures
The month of April was designated as Auto Crime Enforcement Month by the Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT), the Province of British Columbia, and ICBC — but also serves as an important reminder to stay safe and protect our vehicles yearround.
According to data from ICBC, an average of 8,300 vehicle thefts occurred each year over a five-year period, between 20132017. At the same time, 12,000 vehicle break-ins occurred each year over the same time frame. Although auto crimes have been decreasing thanks to the combined efforts of the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT), the Province of British Columbia and ICBC, the biggest deterrent is the fact that more drivers are taking measures to protect themselves and their vehicles.
Auto crimes are in effect crimes of opportunity and often committed without any previous planning — the perpetrator simply sees a chance to steal a vehicle or something inside a vehicle and seizes on the opportunity. Something as simple as forgetting to lock your vehicle door can be enough to encourage thieves to ransack your vehicle for anything of value.
According to IMPACT and the Bait Car Program, the most frequently stolen items today are smartphones and electronics. Work tools also rank high on the list of top stolen items, showing that thieves are targeting large items that are easily visible from inside parked cars.
Stay one step ahead of auto crime by taking some pre-emptive measures:
If you park your car underground, wait a bit longer after you’ve entered the gate to make sure that no one sneaks in after you. Never leave your car running with the keys in the ignition, even if it’s just for a minute — a minute could be all it takes for a passing thief to seize the perfect opportunity.
Install a motion sensor light for your driveway if you don’t have one already and don’t leave your garage door opener in your vehicle if you park outside.
Purchase anti-theft devices, and if you own an older car, it’s worthwhile to invest in more than one — such as a steering wheel lock.
Vehicles manufactured before September 1, 2007 do not have anti-theft engine immobilizers, so it’s a good idea to install one if you know your car is more than 10 years old.
Often, the very sight of a steering wheel lock is enough to make a thief think twice about targeting that vehicle. The red blinking light in a vehicle alarm system as well can stop a thief in their tracks if they think that the crime will be more trouble than it’s worth.