Earlier this month the Okotoks RCMP took a look at the continuous problem of car break in's in the Okotoks area. The RCMP detachment in Okotoks did a survey by going out in the early mornings and checking if cars in different communities were locked.

Constable Mark Gander of the Okotoks RCMP says that they checked 364 cars in town. The study found that 14% of the vehicles checked were left unlocked.

"On some streets there were multiple vehicles left unlocked. It's a crime of opportunity if someone is in the community and their specific objective is to steal and they check door handles and it is unlocked it is easy access for them," Gander says.

The cars that were found unlocked were left with a hand out created by AMA to create awareness to the owners.

Gander says that the study is to inform people about how to prevent the theft from occurring, and locking your doors is one of the ways.

"Criminals aren't looking to smash windows because it will bring attention to them."

Gander says that another reason for someone to break into a car is the presence of valuables in the vehicle. He says that the RCMP recommends not keeping any valuables in your vehicle and if you do to keep them out of sight.

"Whether it's an iPod or an iPod cord that leaves the impression there could be an iPod somewhere in the car, or even if it's it can be a reason for someone to break in."

The Okotoks RCMP wants to remind residents that theft from vehicles can lead to bigger issues like identity theft or further intrusion by getting access to garage door openers.

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