OLDS — A surge in vehicle break-ins has Olds RCMP urging residents to lock their vehicles and garages.
In a news release, Olds RCMP Cst. Morley Statchuk gave some advice on how to prevent vehicle thefts.
“A thief can steal your car in seconds,” he wrote. “An unlocked vehicle or an open window is an easy target.”
He said most thefts of or vehicles or from vehicles occur while the vehicle is parked in a residential area.
Thieves take belongings and change -- whatever they can get their hands on -- quickly.
Statchuk said the best way to prevent your vehicle from being broken into or stolen is to follow this advice:
• Ensure your vehicle is locked and windows are closed.
• Never leave keys in your vehicle.
• Remove all valuables from your vehicle or move from plain sight, such as phones, tablets, laptops, GPS, gifts, coins / currency, wallet, purse.
• Park in a well-lit highly visible area.
• If you have a garage, use it and keep all garage doors locked.
• Consider installing motion lights around your property.
• If you see anyone suspicious, report it to police immediately.
Olds RCMP are continuing their investigation into recent vehicle break-ins and are asking the public to come forward with any information related to them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Olds RCMP at 403-556-3323 or their local police service.
