According to the Alberta Motor Association, the rate of thefts from vehicles in Alberta is the second highest across Canada.
Less than a minute is all it takes for your holidays to be stolen. That’s why the AMA reminds drivers to “Lock It or Lose It” this shopping season and beyond, as unlocked vehicles or valuables left in sight are an open invitation to thieves.
“This holiday season, we want Albertans to remember they hold the power to take away the welcome mat for would-be thieves,” says Jeff Kasbrick, vice-president of AMA advocacy. “Theft from vehicles is often a crime of opportunity, so prevention is key. This can be as simple as locking your vehicle and ensuring shopping bags, loose change and other visible valuables are removed or kept out of sight.”
Last year, the province reported 28,336 thefts from vehicles. Each theft causes a fellow Albertan to shoulder the loss of precious personal belongings, holiday gifts, critical documents and more.
AMA also cautions, beyond the obvious targets of holiday gifts, criminals will look for documents containing personal information, such as insurance papers and vehicle registration. Combined with a stolen garage-door opener, these documents literally open the door to home thefts.
“We recommend always keeping those important documents with you,” adds Kasbrick. “While it may feel inconvenient, property or identity theft is far more inconvenient and life-impacting.”
“Lock It or Lose It,” AMA’s ongoing campaign to prevent automotive-related theft, shares these tips for holiday shoppers:
- Never leave your vehicle unattended with the keys in it. Even in the winter, a vehicle doesn’t need to be warmed up longer than a couple of minutes — and you can do it while inside the vehicle or with a starter that ensures the vehicle remains locked.
- Always lock your doors when you aren’t with your vehicle.
- Be vigilant about where you keep your keys and/or key fob.
- Park in a well-lit area whenever possible.
- If you park in a detached garage at home, keep the door locked.
- Keep all valuables out of sight. Better yet, remove them altogether.
- Don’t leave your insurance and registration paperwork in the vehicle.
