Lock it or Lose it

Winter is the time of year there is often a spike in the theft of vehicles around Canmore. Simple steps will reduce the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen or vandalized.  The RCMP offer a few tips to help prevent vehicle thefts: 

• Never leave a running vehicle unattended. If your keys must be in the ignition to warm it up, citizens should remain with their vehicle.
• Never leave children unattended in a running vehicle.
• Install a remote starter if possible, however, always make sure the vehicle is locked.
• Use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves.
• Don’t leave your keys in the vehicle, even when filling up with gas.
• Never leave spare keys or garage door openers in or around your vehicle. If a garage door opener goes missing at any time, the garage door should be immediately recoded.
• If your keys are stolen, immediately change the locks for the keys that have gone missing, including residences and vehicles.
• Vehicles equipped with a keyless ignition can still be stolen if left running, even with the key fob removed from the vehicle.
• Always lock the man-door leading from a garage into a residence.
• Leaving valuable items in plain sight in a parked vehicle increases the likelihood of your property being more attractive to a potential theft. Cell phones, iPads, computers and photography equipment all are attractive to thieves.
• Close all windows and sun roofs.
• Park in a well lit and visible area.
• Parking in a locked garage will help safeguard your vehicle.

Who do I report suspicious activity to?

Call 911 when:

• You believe a specific crime is happening
• You believe something is suspicious

Call the RCMP Complaint Line 403.678.5516 24 hours a day to report new or recent crime. 

• Break-ins or thefts where the suspect is gone
• Suspicious vehicle, person or activity

Learn more about securing your vehicle at:  www.ama.ab.ca/lockit