Car Prowlings Leads to Awareness Campaign

Members of Calgary Police Service District 8, Calgary Transit and City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services will be out in force this week to help prevent car prowlings.

More than 135 thefts from vehicles have occurred in the city’s south since January 2013. Sixty-eight per cent involve entering an unlocked vehicle door.

On Wednesday, March 27, and Thursday, March 28, 2013, officers with all three organizations will be at the south LRT parking lots, leaving placards on unlocked cars to remind drivers when they return to their cars of the dangers of leaving them unlocked.

The impact of this type of crime includes possible damage to property, loss of items with monetary or sentimental value, as well as psychological affects such as victims feeling unsafe and insecure in their community.

Common items stolen from vehicles are garage door openers, laptops, radar detectors, shopping bags, purses, compact discs, stereos, iPods, tools, personal documents and loose change.

Preventing and investigating thefts from vehicles, as well as vehicle vandalism, is a priority for the Calgary Police Service, and not just during the holiday season. Car prowlings are typically a crime of opportunity and it’s important for Calgarians to take a few simple steps to take away that opportunity.

The CPS reminds Calgarians to make your vehicle and property less attractive to thieves by:

·         Keep the vehicle doors and windows locked

·         Remove or hide valuable items, including change, from the vehicle

·         Secure your vehicle in an area such as a garage or well-lit, well-travelled area

·         Take extra keys out of your vehicle

·         Do not leave garage door openers in your vehicle, as criminals can use it to gain access to your home. Lock them in a glove compartment or console, or take them  with you when you leave your vehicle.

It’s also important to be a good neighbour – record any details you can about suspicious persons or vehicles, and call police immediately at 403-266-1234. Call 911 for a crime in progress. If you see vehicles with open doors, broken windows, or a neighbour's car with the trunk left open, give them a quick call to let them know.

Details of a media availability will be sent in a separate advisory.