The Bonnyville RCMP has released information and statistics about vehicles thefts over the past year and says the education to keep vehicles safe is not working.
According to the statistics from the Bonnyville RCMP vehicles are stolen every second day within the Bonnyville Detachment area. In a press release, the Bonnyville RCMP say investigating a stolen vehicle complaint can tie up a significant amount of police resources.
“One example from an investigation this past winter had several RCMP members including Police Dog Services and another assisting unit involved. Approximately 20 man-hours were used to recover a stolen truck that had been left idling with the keys in it.”
RCMP say if the driver had taken the basic steps to prevent the truck from being stolen 10 members could have spent 20 hours on other investigations and proactive police work. Police say another factor to consider is the insurance costs associated with vehicle theft.
“While there is no average insurance cost made available to the public, it is fair to say we all pay every time a vehicle is stolen. Insurance payouts come from a pool that everyone pays into via their premiums, and as long as vehicles continue to be stolen, premiums will continue to rise for theft coverage – for EVERYONE.”
RCMP say this is another reason to take preventative steps such as locking your vehicle, not leaving the keys in the vehicle, utilizing remote start etc.