Take steps so your vehicle is unattractive to thieves
Auto theft is one of the most common crimes in the country. According to ICBC, one car is stolen every three-and-a-half minutes. In Vancouver alone, the police department reported 55 auto thefts in the first three weeks of March.
This month, the province is aiming to change that. Throughout April, the provincial government, RCMP, and ICBC will be cracking down on auto crime and raising awareness about what drivers can do to protect their vehicles. Their efforts are surrounding the idea of, “don’t leave your keys with thieves.”
According to the Vancouver Police Department, vehicle thefts were down by one per cent in 2015 compared to 2014.
However, thefts of items in vehicles were up by two per cent. Some of the most commonly stolen items were smartphones, personal electronics, work tools, credit cards, and stereo equipment.
Auto crime as a whole is also on the upswing. The Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team, also knownasIMPACT,foundthatthough auto theft had been declining for the past decade, it jumped by a whopping 32 per cent from 2013 to 2014. The current campaign aims to get those numbers moving down again.
So what can we as drivers do to make sure we don’t become a statistic? The best way to prevent auto theft is also the simplest. Always double and triple check that you’ve locked your vehicle and don’t leave your belongings within your vehicle — this will only encourage thieves to break in.
Another essential to remember is if you do need to leave something in your vehicle, try not to leave it out in the open. Ensure you stow your belongings out of sight — in the trunk, under the seats or in the glove box. By doing this, it will deter thieves from breaking into your car.
An additional factor is where you park. If you have a garage at home, use it. After all, thieves can’t take your vehicle if they don’t have access to it. Elsewhere, try to park in well-lit areas with a lot of foot traffic.
Of course, alarms are a low-cost, easy-to-install way to deter wouldbe criminals. Even just a blinking LED light or an alarm sticker on the window can make a potential thief think twice. Some newer models are also equipped with immobilizers — this is an electronic security device fitted for your vehicle that prevents the engine being turned on without the correct key. With the immobilizer, your vehicle will not be able to be “hot wired” further reducing the likelihood of theft.
You can also have your stereo and other parts of your vehicle engraved with your licence number.
Finally, remember that it’s also your responsibility to help prevent the theft of other vehicles. If you see any suspicious activity, such as someone wandering around a parking lot or looking in vehicles, don’t hesitate to call 911.
Although some thievery is always up to chance, with these additional measures, you’ll make your vehicle much less of a target. This April, help end auto theft and keep your car safe in the process.