Auto Theft Up In P.G.

By 250 News

Latest stats from Prince George RCMP show there has been an increase in auto theft. 

In 2004, there were 898 vehicles stolen.  Last year, that number climbed to 985, that’s a 10% hike.

According to Police,  auto theft is linked to nearly every other common crime such as Break and Enters, armed robberies, thefts, weapons, possession and drug trafficking.  Police say auto theft is a symptom of organized crime where drug addicted car thieves steal vehicles to help them commit other crimes to raise cash to buy more drugs.

To help battle auto theft,  the Provincial Bait Car Program is now in operation in Prince George (click here to link with the Bait Car site and view the latest Bait car videos) 

Police say there are some simple facts that go with auto theft:

• most auto theft offenders carry weapons
• most auto thieves don’t have a drivers license, or their license is prohibited
• They drive erratically even if they aren’t eing chased by police becayuse they lack driving experience at high speeds, are experiencing high levels of adrenaline are likely high on drugs and are paranoid

Police say most vehicles are stolen because they can be stolen, and there are some simple things all drivers can do to protect their property:

• install an immobilizer
• use a steering wheel lock very time you park your vehicle
• make sure the windows are closed and the doors are locked
• take posessions with you
• keep your spare keys on you, not in your car
• don’t lend your vehicle to someone youdon;t know
• light your driveway all night
• put a CAT sticker on your vehicle ( Combat Auto Theft program)  This will allowpolice to  question anyone drivning your vehicle betwen 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m
• engrave your stereo and other valuables with your drivers license number
• keep an eye open for suspicious people in your neighbourhood, and contact police if  you think they are committing a crime.

Solicitor General John Les says the bait car program has had a significant impact in other parts of the province  “Already, the numbers for the first quarter of 2006 are comparable to the reductions we saw for all of 2005,” said Les. “There has been a 10 per cent drop in the Lower Mainland and a seven per cent drop provincewide.”

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