The RCMP in Southern Alberta detachments, including Airdrie and Cochrane, are seeing an unfortunate trend where vehicles that are being broken into are not believed to have been secured.  

The Mounties are hoping to get the message across to the public to ensure their vehicles are locked and the valuables removed.  Corporal Laurel Scott says an RCMP analyst dug up some numbers for the month of July on vehicle break-ins for Airdrie and Cochrane.

"In Airdrie, for example, we said that out of 47 reports of thefts from vehicles, 39 of those vehicles were left unlocked or we weren't certain that they were locked, and that would be because there was no evidence of any damage or tampering to the vehicle."

In Cochrane, Scott reports 14 incidents of vehicle break-ins with eight of the vehicles either left unlocked or uncertain whether they were unlocked.  Scott says some stats coming out of Cochrane are even more alarming.  "Some of the vehicles that had thefts in Cochrane, four reported break and enters happened afterward and we believe that's a result of the garage door opener being stolen from the vehicles," explains Scott.   "These were break-ins into the garage, presumably using the garage door opener that had been stolen."

Scott says, even if you find it inconvenient, you shouldn't leave your garage door opener in your vehicle.  "Find someplace else to keep it. It's not good in the vehicle." 

"What we're trying to do," explains Scott, "is get the message out to the public that you could empower yourself and keep yourself safe by keeping your vehicle safe.  Locking it, removing valuables, removing everything that looks attractive or of interest within your vehicle.  That might include even a shopping bag.  Whether there's anything valuable in it or not, it may draw some people's attention."

Scott suggests using the #9PMRoutine that the RCMP has been promoting throughout July to remind you to lock up your vehicles, garage and your home at 9:00 pm nightly.  "Go outside, make sure everything is locked up and secured, leave a light on, be sure your vehicles are locked, garage doors secure.  The idea is, if this becomes a routine for you, you will keep your property much safer."

The #9PMRoutine recommends:

·      Removing valuables from vehicles, including any items that might appear to be a temptation – i.e. papers, bags, etc.

·      Ensuring vehicles are locked, windows are closed and if possible, parked in a garage.

·      Closing garage doors and windows.

·      Locking any person-doors in the garage, including those leading into a house.

·      Checking that all house doors – front, back, side and garage – are locked.

·      Ensuring all windows are shut.

·      Turning on an exterior light.

The campaign asks It's 9 pm.  Are you locked up and secure for the night?  You can join the movement by using #9PMRouine and following the RCMP's social media accounts on Twitter (@RCMPAlberta) and Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta).  

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