Alberta RCMP is trying to take a proactive approach to auto theft prevention as we saw a decrease in theft during 2023.

In February 2023, incidents of theft of motor vehicles totaled 544, reflecting a 12 per cent decrease from the 616 reported in February 2022 across the province. Additionally, there were 517 cases of Theft from Motor Vehicles, indicating a 20 per cent decrease from the 647 incidents recorded in February 2022.

In 2023 across Alberta, the instances of theft of motor vehicles amounted to 8,710, reflecting a 3 per cent decrease from the 8,946 reported in 2022. Furthermore, there were 7,824 instances of theft from motor vehicles, indicating a 13 per cent decline compared to the 9,029 incidents documented in 2022.

According to the city of Airdrie crime map, Airdrie has seen a total of six vehicle thefts and 10 thefts from motor vehicles over the past 14 days.

Despite this decline, it remains crucial to acknowledge that theft remains prevalent in certain areas, emphasizing the importance of actions we can all undertake to enhance the security of our vehicles.

Here are some tips the RCMP are providing to keep your vehicles safe:

  • Always keep your doors locked when you are not in the vehicle, especially if it is running.
  • Never leave your keys in your vehicle.
  • Be sure to remove all valuables, and store purchases in your trunk until you get home.
  • Use a steering wheel club. 
  • Always keep your garage locked, and do not store your garage door opener in your vehicle.
  • Whenever possible, park in a well-lit area.
  • Consider installing a vehicle tracking system.

In January, Airdrie RCMP participated in 'Operation Cold Start' which is designed to work with the public to reduce the theft of idling vehicles during the winter months. Officers performed a variety of tasks to help keep vehicles safe. They checked on unattended, idling vehicles to see if the keys were in them, and whether or not they were properly secured during the freezing cold. 

While the numbers are not official, Jennifer Weedmark, a Constable with the Airdrie RCMP Community Resource Unit stated they checked around 100 vehicles and around 30 were left unattended that could have been stolen.

If your vehicle was checked and the door was unlocked, the RCMP would have left a note stating it is important to have your vehicle locked while it is warming up.

RCMP encourages everyone to report all thefts to the police, by phone, in person, or using the RCMP app. Reports tell them where to look, who to look for, and where additional patrols may be required.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM

DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts click here.

Related Stories