It’s become a common message from police in the Foothills – remember to lock up your vehicles and valuables.
Okotoks RCMP are reminding people to lock their vehicles after a recent arrest of two women found with a vehicle stolen out of High River suspected of trying to get into homes in the DeWinton area. The arrest came just days after Okotoks RCMP found one-quarter of vehicles were found unlocked during a random check around the community.
Okotoks RCMP Cpl. Cory Forsyth said ensuring the vehicles and homes are locked, and removing all valuables from sight are easy steps people can take to protect themselves.
“When the vehicle is unlocked it opens the door to a crime of opportunity,” he said.
On Sept. 26, Okotoks RCMP received numerous complaints of suspicious individuals trying to get into homes in the DeWinton area. Police identified suspects driving a vehicle that had been stolen from High River. Calgary police eventually located the vehicle and arrested the occupants without incident.
Two females were taken to the Okotoks RCMP detachment where they were charged with multiple offenses.
Loriann Heavenfire, 35, is charged is facing 21 charges, including one count of possession of stolen property worth more than $5,000; three counts of break and enter; nine counts of theft of mail; and two counts of possession of identity documents.
Santana Keshane, 32, is facing 20 criminal charges, including one count of possession of stolen property worth more than $5,000; three counts of break and enter; nine counts of theft of mail; one count of possession of counterfeit currency; and one count of possession of a weapon.
Keshane was released from custody and will appear in Okotoks Provincial Court on Oct. 6. Heavenfire is in custody and will appear on Oct. 2.
The arrest came five days after RCMP officers fanned out across the community to check for vehicles left unlocked. Out of 80 vehicles, they counted 21 that were left unlocked. As well, RCMP saw a variety of items and valuables left in plain sight, such as radar detectors, GPS units, house keys, garage door openers, a purse and money. Officers also saw a garage door left open without residents around.
RCMP have conducted several similar checks around the community in recent years. Forsyth said they consistently find cars and trucks that are not locked.
“We have not seen a decrease in the vehicles that are unlocked,” he said.
Forsyth said those behind most cases of car prowlings and similar crimes are looking for an easy target. From his experience, he said the vast majority of cases of theft from vehicles in town were the result of vehicles left unlocked and few involved broken windows to gain access.
People are also leaving themselves open to other potential crimes by not removing valuables, such as purses, wallets or garage door openers, said Forsyth.
“All of those items can be used in further criminal occurrences,” he said. “Your IDs can be used in identity fraud, if you have your social insurance car in there it could be something much more serious.”
Anyone who witnesses a crime in progress is asked to contact Okotoks RCMP at 403-995-6400. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS(8477).
