Not All Hope Is Lost
Something to put in the positive column is the recovery rate of stolen vehicles in Alberta is 80% which is a bit lower compared to previous years but when accounting for such a large rise in theft this is still a really great percentage. Most of the vehicles in our province are being stolen and discarded directly after use while in some of the more Atlantic provinces authorities are finding the stolen trucks are being shipped overseas due to the demand for vehicles only made in North America being unavailable to them.
To address the rising vehicle thefts in this province we recommend some of the following preventative measures that you can implement to protect your vehicle.
- Always lock car doors and windows: Ensure that your vehicle is properly secured whenever it is parked, even for a short duration.
- Never leave keys or valuables inside vehicles: Avoid leaving your keys or any unnecessary items inside the car, as it increases the risk of theft. Keep them in a secure location.
- Avoid remote starting: Refrain from starting your vehicle remotely, especially in extreme weather conditions (we know this is a tough option in our city). This can provide an opportunity for thieves to gain unauthorized access.
- Use additional theft deterrents: Consider using steering wheel locks, theft deterrent decals, and onboard diagnostic port locks. These measures provide additional layers of protection for your vehicle.
- Protect your key fobs: Vehicles with push-button start systems are vulnerable to theft through the onboard diagnostic port (OBD port). Criminals can use this port to reprogram key fobs. To safeguard your key fob, turn it off if possible or keep it at a distance from the car. Alternatively, you can use a Faraday box to block the signal and prevent unauthorized access.
Although Alberta experienced a surge in vehicle thefts in 2022 following a period of decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the exact factors behind these fluctuations remain unclear. It is believed that a combination of factors, such as a slowdown in the oil and gas industry and fewer vehicles on the road due to remote work arrangements, contributed to the previous decrease in thefts. However, as the province emerges from the pandemic, vehicle theft rates are increasing, mirroring the trend across the country.
By following these preventive measures and staying vigilant, vehicle owners in Alberta can significantly reduce the risk of car theft and contribute to curbing the rising trend in the province.
