Alberta RCMP are encouraging residents to use #VehicleValentines on social media this month for more tips on keeping vehicles safe (Alberta RCMP)

By Justin Goulet

Alberta RCMP notes decrease in motor vehicle theft during pandemic

Feb 2, 2021 | 10:33 AM

EDMONTON, AB – Thefts of and from motor vehicles have decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s according to Alberta RCMP. Mounties compared data in RCMP jurisdictions from March to December 2019 with figures from March to December 2020.

Urban detachment areas saw a 27 per cent decrease in thefts from motor vehicles and a 26 per cent drop in thefts of motor vehicles. Meanwhile, rural detachment areas saw a 29 per cent decrease in thefts from motor vehicles and a 21 per cent drop in thefts of motor vehicles.

RCMP stated that although the numbers show progress, there is still work that needs to be done.

From March to December 2020, there were more than 7,800 theft from motor vehicle offences and over 7,100 theft of motor vehicle offences in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions.

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Mounties have offered the following tips for residents to keep their vehicle safe:

Lock the doors
Remove all valuables
Use a steering wheel lock
Lock your garage
Remove garage door opener from the vehicle
Use a vehicle tracking system
Park in a well-lit area
Never leave a vehicle running with keys inside

RCMP also encourage the public to report any suspicious or criminal activity to police and to use #VehicleValentines on social media this month for more tips on keeping vehicles safe.

by Justin Goulet

Alberta RCMP notes decrease in motor vehicle theft during pandemic

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