Keep your car, take your keys
While the number of auto thefts per year in Regina has decreased by 70 percent since 2001, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) says some drivers are still making it too easy for thieves to take their vehicles. The insurer says that from January 1 to October 31 this year, it has received more than 600 claims for stolen vehicles in the provincial capital, at a cost of almost $2 million. Nearly 20 percent of all of the vehicles stolen in the city had the keys left in them.
In some cases, says SGI, some thefts could have been prevented by employing some simple crime prevention strategies, like never leaving your vehicle running while unattended, or leaving spare house or car keys in your vehicle.
“For many people it is a real hardship to be without a vehicle for a period of time,” said Earl Cameron, Vice President of Claims and Salvage at SGI. “Don’t be a target – protect your vehicle from theft and vandalism by following some simple steps, starting with never leaving your keys in your car.”
SGI recommends the following steps to help prevent vehicle theft:
- Shut windows tightly and lock all doors.
- Never leave your vehicle running while unattended, even with it locked.
- Remove all valuables from your vehicle, including spare change.
- Don’t leave any spare set of keys in your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit areas at night time.
“Most vehicle thefts are crimes of opportunity,” said Sgt. Larry Anderson, Regina Police Service, Stolen Auto Unit. “As a vehicle owner, you want to make it as hard and time-consuming as possible for a thief to break into or steal your vehicle.”
