As the temperatures outside continue to rise, Saskatoon police hope a cold weather crime spree in the city begins to slow.
Within a four-week timeframe, 50 vehicles were stolen from a single neighbourhood in the city.
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According to police, of the vehicles taken in that particular area, 70 per cent had keys inside.
In 2016, more than 3,100 vehicles were stolen in Saskatchewan – approximately one-third of those in Saskatoon, reinforcing advice from police to always take your keys with you and not make it any easier for thieves to steal.
“An idle car is a stolen car,” Staff Sgt. A.J. Chevli, from the economic crime unit of Saskatoon Police Service, said.
“Lock it and pocket – lock your car, take your keys with you and it can essentiality eliminate auto theft for those that are easy random opportunities.”
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In August 2016, Saskatoon police launched an auto theft reduction project, involving bait cars equipped with cameras that were left in hot spots of the city.
During a 14-week period, 13 people faced numerous charges as a result of the sting.
The project has now been extended through to March.