Locked and empty, it’s how police say people should be leaving their vehicles, but all too often it’s not the case.
Okotoks RCMP is reminding people to take steps to protect their vehicles and prevent theft after a pick-up truck was stolen from out front of a home in the Cimarron area Monday morning.
The vehicles was left running in the driveway of a home on Cimarron Vista Circle when the suspect or suspects drove away with it sometime around 7 a.m. on Nov. 28.
“We made extensive patrols of the area, but it was long gone,” said RCMP Sgt. Sukh Randhawa.
The vehicle is described as a red Dodge Ram 1500.
Randhawa said it was empty at the time.
So far this year, Okotoks RCMP report 65 vehicles stolen in Okotoks and 45 stolen from the surrounding rural area. Police say the majority of vehicles were left unlocked.
He said it’s a crime of opportunity and urged people to ensure their vehicles are locked and to remove all valuables.
“That’s the thing, people are getting complacent and it’s a gentle reminder to the general public that when you park your vehicle, make sure you take your keys with you as well as your belongings,” he said.
Anyone with information about the recent vehicle theft or other crimes can contact Okotoks RCMP at 403-938-4202 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
