Edmonton – The Edmonton Police Service is warning truck owners in the north end of the city to secure their vehicles because the number of thefts in the area is on the rise.
Police say there have been four incidents in the last week, and 11 since the beginning of January, of thieves targeting tailgates and other truck parts in the communities of Balwin, Beverly Heights, Belvedere, Delwood, and Ozerna.
According to police, thieves have been targeting tailgates on newer-model trucks, but there have also been reports of tires, a front grill, and a set of tail lights being stolen. Tailgates can be removed easily, and can cost up to $4,500 to replace.
“There are individuals who have been involved in a collision or have damaged their tailgate, who steal the part rather than buying it. Stolen parts also surface at discounted prices in online classifieds or at auto shops. Sometimes people buy the part without realizing it’s stolen,” said Const. David Webber with EPS Northeast Division.
The Edmonton Police Service provides truck several anti-theft tips:
- Park in a locked garage, or a well-lit, highly-visible, high-traffic area. Back into a parking stall, and park with your truck’s tailgate as close to a building or other vehicle to prevent the tailgate from being opened.
- Remove unsecured items from your truck bed, or install proper locking mechanisms such as special lug nuts for spare tires.
- Install an alarm system in your vehicle with a tailgate actuator that locks at the same time as the other doors.
- Always lock your tailgate. Many trucks have factory-installed locks, and aftermarket lock assemblies are also available. Or, attach a tailgate padlock, or simple hose or locking easy clamp where the tailgate lifts out.
- Etch the vehicle identification number or a personal identification number into the vehicle part. This will make it easier to recover the part if stolen.
- Report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to police as soon as possible.
For more information about protecting property from theft, visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/crimeprevention.
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