Residents reminded to lock up their vehicles, and take garage remotes, spare keys inside

It’s an unnecessary scenario that continues to repeat itself across Edmonton, month after month, year after year – citizens leaving their vehicles unlocked with garage door remotes inside, precipitating a rash of thefts from vehicles and break and enters to garages and homes.

Over the last month, more than 35 incidents of vehicle and garage break-and-enters across the city have been reported to police. In a majority of these incidents, thieves gained access to residential garages after discovering garage remote door openers inside a vehicle parked outside.

It’s a proverbial “one-stop shopping for thieves, and a crime that is totally preventable,” said EPS Southeast Division Det. Mike Farrell.

“Police and its partners, including insurance agencies, have repeatedly messaged the public over the last several years, reminding citizens not to leave garage remotes and spare keys in their vehicles. Yet here we are again discussing another string of vehicle and garage break and enters. It’s a trend that has to change.”

From Sept. 24 to Oct. 17, 2018, more than 35 garage B&Es city-wide were reported to EPS, whereby the thieves gained access to the garage via a garage door remote found in a vehicle parked outside.

In several instances, vehicles were also left unlocked with a garage door remote in plain view. In some instances, the suspects discovered spare keys in the vehicle console.

“We’re asking citizens to change habits, which in some ways may cause people a bit of inconvenience,” acknowledged Det. Farrell.

“I would suggest, however, that having your vehicle, garage and possibly even your home violated by a criminal, not to mention losing thousands of dollars in assets, would be a far greater inconvenience.”

TIPS TO PREVENT VEHICLE THEFT & GARAGE/HOME B&Es

Do not leave your vehicle running - Under no circumstances should you leave your vehicle unattended while running with the key in the ignition. NOTE: Remote car starters are not a problem; they are designed to shut off if attempts are made to steal the vehicle.

No Spare Keys - Do not leave a spare key hidden in the vehicle. Thieves look for spare keys, and once they break into your vehicle, they know all the hiding spots. You can get a spare key holder for your wallet or purse.

Lock Up Your Vehicle - Always check that the doors, windows, and sun roof are shut and locked when you park your vehicle.  Leave your vehicle in a locked garage where possible. Lock your vehicle even when it is in the locked garage.

Be aware of where you park - park in parking lots that have more than one of the following:

1. Security cameras
   
   
2. Security patrolling the parking lot
    
3. Someone working at an entrance/exit booth
    
4. A gated parking lot that needs a pass to get in and out
    
5. Well lit
   
   
6. A busy parking lot with lots of people coming and going or an area where there are lots of vehicles or pedestrians passing by.

 

Treat Your Keys Like Cash – Don’t leave keys in places where they are easy to snatch, such as a gym locker, on your desk at work, visible in an open purse or unattended in a shopping cart. Thieves will grab and go, then head out to the parking lot and push the button on your key fob until they find your car.

Use a Steering Wheel Locking Device (e.g. The Club) - A well-secured car will deter thieves. There are other devices available to consumers to stop thieves from easily stealing your vehicle. See your local automotive stores for details. 

Do not leave items in your vehicle - Thieves can be attracted to your car because personal items are left in plain sight. Never leave anything in your vehicle, including loose change, cell phones, CDs, cameras, clothing, sunglasses, cigarettes, lighters, and any other items. 

Install a Remote Car Starter - Remote starters are designed to shut off if anyone attempts to drive the vehicle without a key. This will allow you to warm up your car without risk of theft.


from Media Releases https://ift.tt/2z28iiy