By Sheldon Spackman

(originally published August 9, 2017)

Here are some interesting… well maybe some disturbing facts RCMP and Citizens On Patrol discovered in Red Deer this summer.

During Westerner Days last month, over the period of two days, Mounties and volunteers with Citizens on Patrol checked vehicles in the Westerner Park parking lot to see which vehicle owners were leaving themselves vulnerable to smash and grab crimes.

Although members and volunteers did not try to open any doors or touch the vehicles other than leaving a flyer under the wiper blade, a significant portion were found to be attractive targets for criminals.

Two hundred vehicles were checked on July 22nd and 81 more on July 23rd.
More thank half passed!  56 percent were found to be free of any visible temptations for criminals such as cash, electronics or other valuables in plain site.

But that means nearly half did not pass!  44 percent were found to be vulnerable to a smash and grab crime.

36 vehicles had possessions or cash in plain view

19 had visible electronics

55 had garage door openers in plain site

9 had the keys left inside!

Constable Sean Morris with the Red Deer RCMP says “Citizens continue to express their concern about property crimes, but many also continue to make choices that create attractive targets for smash and grab thefts. Criminals prowl parking lots looking for easy targets – why would you tempt them to smash your windows or steal your vehicle?”

We found some tips to consider every time you leave your vehicle.  Here are the top ten tips to protect your vehicle and its contents while unattended from the Insurance Bureau of Canada…

1. Ensure your doors are always locked and the key is in your pocket
2. Always park in well-lit areas
3. Always roll up your car windows
4. Never leave money in plain sight
5. Put shopping bags and other parcels in the trunk
6. Ensure your GPS and other electronic devices are out of sight
7. Keep your vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance on you
8. Take your cellphone with you
9. Never leave your vehicle running when unattended
10. If you frequently park in the same parking lot, park in a different spot each day.

For more info, tips and to rate your vehicle, go to the Insurance Bureau of Canada web site.

And here’s some explanation from the Calgary Police Service.

• Lock it up. Close the windows, lock the doors and the trunk, and take your keys with you – never leave your vehicle unlocked, even for the few minutes it takes to duck into a store or run back into the house. And don’t hide a key on the vehicle – criminals know ALL the hiding spots.
• Turn it off. Never leave your vehicle idling alone, even if you lock the doors. It costs the environment in emissions, and it could cost you when a criminal bypasses the door lock in seconds.
• Hide your valuables. Wherever and whenever you park, remove your valuables – including any removable stereos. If that’s not practical (you’re in the middle of a shopping day, for example), hide the valuables in the trunk, out of sight, and then move the vehicle to a different place in the parking lot. Thieves watch parking lots to see who’s stashing shopping bags and then heading back into the mall.
• Stow it right. If you have a garage, use it and lock it. If you don’t, choose a parking spot that’s as well lit and well travelled as possible, within sight of your windows.
• Think security. If your vehicle has an alarm, use it. If it doesn’t, consider installing one, or at least using an anti-theft device such as a steering-wheel locking bar. These items can deter some criminals, and can delay others. If your vehicle is especially attractive to criminals, consider installing a security system such as an electronic vehicle disabling device, a hood-locking device or a location tracking system.
• Protect yourself. Never leave any identifying information, such as your name, address, phone number or vehicle registration/insurance in the vehicle. Carry it in your wallet or purse instead, and never leave these items in the vehicle. You’ll also need the registration and insurance details in case the vehicle is stolen, so it’s a great idea to make an extra copy of these documents, to keep at home.
• Report it! If you see suspicious people in or around vehicles, call the Police Service at 403-343-5575.  And if your vehicle is broken into or stolen, report it to police right away, regardless of loss or insurance coverage.  Break-ins are rarely isolated – reporting them immediately with as much detail as possible can help police in their investigation.