RCMP offer tips to curb auto theft

By Rob Vogt
Nice weather can bring out everyone, including thieves, so the RCMP are offering ways to keep your vehicle secure from theft.
The Alberta RCMP issued a release on Aug. 1 stating that summer is a busy time as everyone rushes to enjoy the weather while they can.
During these times people often don’t follow their usual routines, spending much more time away from home and driving to their next destination.
The Alberta RCMP wants to remind everyone how to protect their belongings.
Don’t let the fun distract you – protect yourself against theft of, and from, vehicles.
In 2023, there were 8,710 auto thefts in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions. There have been 3,932 in the first six months of this year, with trucks being the most commonly stolen vehicle each year.
To help prevent auto thefts here are some tips to help keep vehicles and belongings safe while people enjoy their summer vacations:
• Always lock your vehicle, even if you are just running into the store to grab something quickly.
• Make sure all windows are closed when you leave your vehicle.
• Park your vehicle within sight and in a well-lit area.
• If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage. Otherwise, try to park it so it can’t be easily moved by an opportunistic thief.
• Never leave keys or garage door openers in your vehicle. Garage door openers can be stolen, along with personal identifying documents, and used to identify and enter your home.
• Ensure personal belongings, especially important documents, are not stored in your vehicle.
• Remove loose change and valuables. These items can be enticing to criminals.
No one is immune to auto theft, but practising auto theft safety can help avoid becoming a victim.
This August the RCMP will be using #AutoRoutine to provide information on how to keep vehicles safe this summer.
Follow them on Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta) and X (@RCMPAlberta) for tips and reminders to help reduce thefts of, and from, vehicles this summer.
If anyone sees something suspicious, please report it to the local police service. If anyone sees a crime in progress, call 911. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous, can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

Claresholm RCMP report for the month of June

The following complaints/calls for service were made to the Claresholm RCMP Detachment during the month of June, 2024. Not every call/file is listed below, but just the most relevant ones. Some complaints received were later determined to being unfounded or not police matters.
Traffic related
• One reportable non-fatal traffic collision;
• Eleven reportable traffic collisions;
• One report of a non-reportable traffic collision;
• Five reports of speeding, with one charge laid;
• Three reports of failing to wear seatbelt, with three charges laid;
• Fifteen complaints of other moving traffic violations, with two charges laid;
• Two complaints of other non-moving traffic violations, with one charge laid;
• One complaint of driving without due care and attention.
Impaired operation related offences
• One roadside driving suspension was issued and was alcohol related.
Other provincial statutes
• Six reported 911 Act offences;
• One complaint of Liquor Act offence;
• One complaint under the Trespass Act offence;
• Three reports under the Child Welfare Act;
• Four complaints under the Mental Health Act;
• Three complaints under the Firearms Act;
• Three complaints involving municipal bylaws.
Other Criminal Code
• Two failure to comply with court orders;
• Three complaints of causing a disturbance;
• One incident of resisting/obstructing a peace officer;
• One complaint of publishing defamatory liable.
Persons offences
• One complaint of uttering threats;
• Four complaints of assault;
• One complaint of harassing communications;
• One complaint of criminal harassment;
• One complaint of interfering with transport to endanger safety.
Property/fraud offences
• Two complaints of theft of motorcycle;
• Two complaints of theft of Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV);
• One complaint of theft of other motor vehicle;
• One complaint of taking a motor vehicle without consent of owner;
• Four complaints of theft under $5,000;
• Two complaints of theft of bicycle;
• Two complaints of possession of property obtained by crime – over $5,000;
• One complaint of possession of property obtained by crime – under $5,000;
• Two complaints of fraud over $5,000;
• One complaint of fraud under $5,000;
• One complaint of identity fraud;
• One complaint of fraudulently re-directing mail;
• Twelve complaints of mischief – lawful enjoyment or damage to property;
• Four complaints of break and enter into a residence;
• Ten complaints of break and enter – other.
Drug offences
• Two complaints related to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Other police activities
• Sixteen complaints involving suspicious persons/vehicles/property;
• One complaint of an abandoned vehicle;
• Four animal-related calls;
• Three false alarm calls;
• Ten lost/found property calls;
• One complaint of breach of the peace;
• Eleven requests for well-being checks;
• Two assistance to the general public calls;
• One request for a property check.
In total, there were 226 calls/requests for service for May, 2024 with 210 of those calls being deemed as founded complaints.
The reported break, enter and thefts that occurred during the early portion of June seemed to have abruptly ended within a week or so from when they first began being reported to police. In total, there were 14 complaints made to police from June 4 through to June 13. Of those complaints, six were unsolved, six are still active and two were deemed unfounded. In some cases, there was an attempted break and enter where no property was actually stolen and no damage resulted.
The investigations are on-going. The incidents determined to be unsolved at this time can always be re-opened if more evidence is gathered later on. Also, some of the property reported stolen was recovered in a few incidents.