Drumheller RCMP wants to reinforce that simple actions can prevent crimes of opportunity.
This follows a spell of easily preventable theft of vehicles in the Drumheller area.
Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins explains that from October to December of last year, there were 15 vehicles stolen within the Drumheller Detachment area, 11 were within the corporate limits of the town.
“Upon review of these thefts, almost all of the vehicles were left with either keys in the ignition or placed somewhere in the vehicle,” said Hopkins. “On at least one occasion the culprit entered into the unlocked garage.”
He emphasizes how important it is for people to simply lock their car and pocket the key. Even a garage is not secure protection to leave the keys in the ignition.
He adds, in some cases the theft of a vehicle with a key ring can leave the victim vulnerable to more crime.
“Many of these vehicles not only had keys to the associated vehicle, but there was also keys to the house on the key ring. These associated keys make it possible to enter your house then or at a later time,” said Hopkins.
