The issue of auto theft has grown to the point that a summit was held in Ottawa last week to find ways of dealing with it.

The gathering included federal, provincial and municipal leaders along with police departments across the country.

The federal government is making $28 million available to help fight the exportation of stolen vehicles from Canada.

High River RCMP Constable Manny Kaler says winter is a prime time for thefts because so many vehicles are left running.

"It's very common in basically all of Alberta, really all of Canada. Thieves will pile up a car, head to a town and you'd be surprised just how quick cars disappear," he says.

From January to September of 2023, there were a dozen vehicles stolen in High River, with the same number taken between January and September of 2022.

In Okotoks between January and September of 2023, there were 39 vehicles taken while between January and September of 2022, there were 35 stolen.

In February 2023, there were 544 cases of Theft of Motor Vehicles, a 12 per cent decrease from 616 in February 2022, and 517 cases of Theft from Motor Vehicles, a 20 per cent decrease from 647 in February 2022.

In 2023, there were a total of 8,710 cases of Theft of Motor Vehicles and 7,824 cases of Theft from Motor Vehicles.

The RCMP have some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of auto theft.

  • Always keep your doors locked when you are not in the vehicle, especially if it is running.
  • Never leave your keys in your vehicle.
  • Be sure to remove all valuables, and store purchases in your trunk until you get home.
  • Use a steering wheel club. 
  • Always keep your garage locked, and do not store your garage door opener in your vehicle.
  • Whenever possible, park in a well-lit area.
  • Consider installing a vehicle tracking system.

In the meantime, you're reminded to call the police if you see something suspicious.

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