photo courtesy BC Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team

Prince George, BC –  Security advancements over the past decade have made it extremely difficult to steal a vehicle without keys.  Unfortunately, car thieves have made the leap and are now targeting your keys.

After 10 years of decline, last year saw the first increase in the number of auto thefts in BC.  As part of Auto Crime Enforcement Month, BC’s Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT), ICBC, and the provincial government are warning vehicle owners to treat their keys like cash.

“People will leave their keys, smart keys, and valet keys in desks, lockers, or even in the console of their vehicle,” says he Officer in Charge of IMPACT, Inspector Peter Jadis.  “This defeats the built-in security features and allows thieves to simply drive away.”

“Our call to action – Treat Your Keys Like Cash – is a reminder to all vehicle owners to be vigilant about safeguarding their vehicle keys, fobs and personal property,” says Attorney General Suzanne Anton.  “We all need to do our part to help IMPACT and other police agencies to protect the gains we’ve made in reducing auto crime since 2003.”