Edmonton police are warning drivers to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables after a spike in thefts from vehicles in the downtown region.
So far this month, 91 thefts from vehicles have been reported to police in their Downtown Division. That’s up 111 per cent from the 43 thefts reported in April 2015.
“These are often crimes of opportunity – vehicles left unlocked and valuables left in plain sight,” Const. Dexx Williams said. “To help protect your property, remove all items from the vehicle every time it is left unattended.
“We continue to see laptops, gym bags, cell phones, sunglasses and loose change left behind and then targeted.”
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Three areas in particular are of concern to police:
- 100 Avenue between 101 and 105 Streets
- 108 Avenue between 111 and 117 Streets
- 112 to 116 Streets, between Jasper Avenue and 103 Avenue
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In order to avoid becoming a target, police encourage drivers to do the following:
- Always turn off and lock your vehicle
- Remove all valuables. Never leave anything in plain sight when you leave your vehicle
- Remove all portable accessories, including stereo faceplates and GPS equipment
- Use a steering wheel lock and/or alarm to deter theft of and from vehicles
- Park in a well-lit, open place
Downtown Division officers have responded to 344 reports of items stolen from vehicles so far this year.