Parkade break and enters continue to plague city residents

Edmonton Police officers have investigated more than 800 parkade break-and-enter complaints YTD in 2015 and 2016.

The Edmonton Police Service has received 455 parkade break-and-enter complaints between Jan. 1 and April 14, 2015, and another 378 complaints thus far in 2016.

It’s a crime which costs apartment and condo residents millions of dollars in stolen vehicles and valuables every year, says Const. Amanda Trenchard, with the EPS Crime Prevention Unit.

“It’s not uncommon for officers to be investigating several parkade break and enters a day across our city,” says Const. Trenchard. “Criminals are always looking for easy targets, and parkades can offer them a one-stop shopping experience, especially when property isn’t protected.”

In 2015, the EPS received more than 1,300 reports of parkade break and enters.

Apartment and condo residents can ‘target harden” themselves, by taking simple crime prevention measures, says Const. Trenchard.

“Locking your vehicle doors and taking all valuables out of the vehicle and inside your home with you is a good start. If the bad guys don’t see anything that attracts them to break into your vehicle, and you lock your vehicle, then there’s a good chance you won’t become a target,” says Const. Trenchard.

Condo residents are also encouraged to wait until for the door to close, when entering or exiting a parkade, Trenchard noted.

“These are often crimes of opportunity. If a criminal recognizes that residents of a building aren’t waiting nearby until the garage door closes, or they’re not paying attention in their mirrors, then criminals may simply seize the opportunity to slip in behind them.”

 Here are some additional tips to keep you and your vehicle safe when parking in a parkade:

• When entering or exiting an apartment or condominium parkade, always wait for the door to close. Watch for anyone sneaking in and call police if necessary.
• Regardless of where you park your vehicle, do not leave anything in view.
• Always lock your vehicle to discourage persons from entering and searching your glove box.
• Carry your registration and insurance with you. Do not leave it in the car. This will protect you against identity theft. 
• Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.
• Do not leave a garage door opener in your vehicle. This is quite common in Edmonton, as a thief may use it to break into your house while you are away.
• Theft of vehicle license plates is common. Anti-theft bolts should be used to secure license plates. These are available at various hardware stores.
• Never leave a spare key in your vehicle.
• Consider using a "club" to secure the steering wheel if you have an older vehicle without adequate anti-theft features. You can purchase one from an AMA near you (you don't have to be member).
• Consider your personal safety. Parkades are often dark and deserted. Know what to do if something happens. The best defense against an attack is awareness and action. If faced with an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, leave the parkade and seek assistance.

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