Vancouver police are launching an initiative to help prevent older vehicles from being stolen.
If your vehicle is not equipped with anti-theft technology, you are eligible for a free steering wheel lock.
Police said car theft is linked to additional crimes so making vehicles harder to steal can reduce overall crime in the city.
“We know that stolen vehicles are not being used for commuting, most are being used to commit additional crimes. Simply making your car harder to steal can reduce overall crime in the city,” Const. Jason Doucette said.
The free steering wheel locks are available to Vancouver residents who own vehicles without anti-theft technology and can be picked up at the following community policing centres:
Collingwood – 5160 Joyce Street
Hastings Sunrise – 2620 East Hastings Street
Kitsilano-Fairview – unit 78, 1687 West Broadway
Granville Downtown – 1263 Granville Street
In addition, volunteers will be looking for older vehicles parked on city streets and provide owners with vouchers for an anti-theft device.
The most appealing cars to thieves are older model Honda Civics and Honda Accords.
Here are the top stolen vehicles in Vancouver for 2017:
- Honda Civic /CRX (pre-2000)
- Honda Accord (pre-1996)
- Jeep Cherokee / Grand Cherokee (pre-2000)
- Ford F-150XLT (all years)
- Ford Econoline E250 (pre-2013)
- Honda CRV (1997-1999)
- Toyota Corolla (all years)
- Dodge Caravan (pre-2006)
- Acura Integra (1992-1996)