By Andrea Nicholl
Local RCMP say vehicles in the Border City continue to be the target of chance opportunity and theft, despite the decrease in numbers from 2009.
Cpl. Grant Rusk of the Lloydminster RCMP says the problem of auto theft has declined, but hasn’t disappeared.
Eight vehicles have been reported stolen since Jan.1 of this year, six of which were reported throughout February. In addition to the auto thefts, the local detachment has also received reports of stolen trailers equipped with snowmobiles.
“At this point, we’re seeing more newer vehicles being stolen, because people are leaving the keys in the console or in the ignition,” said Rusk.
“They’re vehicles that have good theft deterrent systems, but nothing protects them from being driven away with their own keys.”
The city’s auto theft problem became evident late last year when 53 vehicles were reported stolen throughout September and October.
The numbers have declined through public awareness and proactive measures, though vehicles left running, unlocked and unattended continue to be an easy target, specifically in the areas between College Drive and the border, and in some northern industrial regions.
One 18-year-old male, Evan O’Hagan of Lloydminster, was arrested, charged and convicted with theft of a motor vehicle and was sentenced to a six month period on Feb. 24. Rusk says police do have other suspects in mind, and are continuing to work closely with the Onion Lake, Kitscoty and Maidstone detachments.
RCMP encourage residents to protect their vehicles against theft by parking inside if possible, parking in well-lit areas, keeping keys and valuables hidden and using remote starters and anti-theft devices.
“We’re recommending that people not leave keys in very conspicuous places,” said Rusk. “If they absolutely must leave a set of keys, use an area that would be harder to find - or better yet not in the vehicle.”