The Regina Police Service is once again reminding all vehicle owners to take steps to protect their property from would-be thieves. Auto theft prevention doesn’t have to be expensive, but auto THEFT sure is; just ask anyone who’s had to get along without a vehicle for days…or replace it altogether. And rising insurance costs affect everyone.
The Regina Police Service conducts continual analysis to identify auto theft trends in our city. One trend has emerged in recent months and is causing growing concern. The analysis of stolen auto stats show that, in the past three years, Hondas and Acuras, model years 1990-2005, are consistently among the top five types of stolen vehicles. Police believe one factor making these vehicles more susceptible is the practice, by criminals, of altering vehicle keys. In some cases where perpetrators are arrested and charged, they are often in possession of keys which have been re-shaped. These altered keys allow the criminals to gain entry into various locked vehicles, then start them and steal them.
Police are asking the public’s help, encouraging vehicle owners to utilize steering wheel locking devices in all vehicles, especially those identified as susceptible. All vehicle owners should also always remove all keys from the interior of vehicles to prevent keys from being stolen and then altered. Ensure your vehicle is locked at all times, even when you are only away from your vehicle for a few moments. Lock vehicles even when they are parked inside a garage.
Crime prevention strategies don’t need to be complicated or expensive to make a difference. While no strategy can be guaranteed to be effective 100% of the time, the afore-mentioned steps to safeguard vehicles and other property can (and do) enhance the safety of our whole community.