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Sections & Units
Our Mission:
"To optimize public safety
in the City of Calgary"
Crime Prevention Unit
Auto Theft
There's no such thing as a "joy ride." It's crime: THEFT!
The Nightmare is Only Beginning
The theft of your automobile is only the start of your nightmare. Items left inside the vehicle (stereos, cameras etc.) will be stolen or destroyed. Your personal papers may be used for further crimes (credit card fraud, cheque forgery, etc.). Garage door openers may be used in house break-ins - including YOUR house. You'll have to find alternate transportation and may have to replace the stolen vehicle altogether.
It Only Takes a Minute
It can take less than a minute for a criminal to break into your vehicle and steal it. On average, 13 cars are stolen each day in Calgary.
The Top 10 Most Popular Automobiles Among Thieves:*
- Chevrolet/GMC Trucks
- Honda Civic
- Plymouth /Dodge Van
- Chrysler Neon
- Ford Truck
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- Dodge Truck
- Chevrolet Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird
- Toyota Camry
- Jeep Cherokee
- Oldsmobile Cutlass
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* Fall 2003 Police Advisor
A Few Tips To Make Your Car Less Attractive To Thieves...
- Lock it or Lose it - Always close the windows, lock the doors and pocket the key.
- Hide Your Valuables - Don't leave valuables in your car. If you must, then store them in the trunk, out of sight.
- Don't Hide Your Keys - Don't hide a second key in or on the vehicle.
- Park Safely - Park in a well lit and well travelled area.
- Identify Stereos - Stereos are one of thieves' favourite targets. Engrave your license number on them and install them with removable brackets that let you take them out and lock them in the trunk. Also, keep a record of their serial numbers (this also applies to radar detectors) Do not leave the box or receipt for your electronics in your vehicle (it will make it easier for a thief to sell you system).
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Security Systems - Equip your vehicle with a security system such as:
- an electronic vehicle disabling device
- a steering wheel locking device
- a vehicle alarm
- a hood locking device
- Protect Your Papers - Keep your license and vehicle registration with you in your wallet or purse.
- Turn It Off - Never leave your vehicle running unattended, even for one minute!
- Report Suspicious Activity - If you see suspicious people in or around motor vehicles, call the police. Call 266-1234 if it isn't' an emergency. If it is an emergency, such as a life and death situation, injury accident or a crime in progress, call 911.
You Can Make Your Vehicle Theft Resistant for Less Than the Cost of the Insurance Deductible on a Stolen Vehicle.
For more information on vehicle security systems, contact a reputable security company or your new vehicle dealer.
If you know of a stolen vehicle or you know someone who has stolen a vehicle, call Crime Stoppers:
(No Charge Dial) 1-800-222-8477
# 8477 on your Telus Mobility cell phone
or *8477 on other cellular providers
Remember, Crime Stoppers does not trace or ID callers - all callers remain anonymous
When and where auto theft occurs
Any type of vehicle can be a target for thieves because usually they're just using it to get from point A to point B.
Auto thieves often target vehicles in certain locations because they provide good cover, or an excellent place for the auto thief to go "shopping." Some of the more popular targets are high density locations such as parking lots and indoor parking facilities, and low density locations such as residential streets.
Auto theft can happen any time of the day or night. However, thieves follow certain patterns of behaviour. For instance, high density locations are more likely to be targeted during the day, whereas low density locations are more likely to be targeted at night between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
It is a criminal offence to be in a stolen vehicle! Everyone involved in a theft gets arrested.
Bail conditions for someone charged with auto theft can include the following:
- not being allowed in a car without the registered owner present,
- not being allowed in any parking facility,
- a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.,
- not being allowed to associate with the people with whom you were arrested.
Remember: Passengers in a stolen vehicle may face the same restrictions as the driver and could be charged with possession of stolen property.
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