Increase in car and truck thefts in western Saskatchewan has RCMP detachements asking residents to take extra steps in securing their vehicles. (file/battlefordsNOW)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Vehicle vigilance

RCMP urging west-central Saskatchewan motorists to secure vehicles

Aug 20, 2021 | 1:27 PM

Saskatchewan RCMP is urging communities in the west-central region to be vigilant in securing vehicles.

Areas like Onion Lake Cree Nation, Turtleford, and Maidstone have received reports of at least one vehicle theft per day within the past week and a half, a significant amount given the size of the communities.

S/Sgt. Ken Burnouf, Commander of the Onion Lake detachment, said this is a reminder for motorists to remove their keys and valuables from the vehicle.

“We don’t want anyone to fall victim to a crime of opportunity,” he said. “It’s not enough to put your vehicle keys, or anything valuable, in a cup holder or behind a visor, you must remove them from your vehicle and lock the doors.”

Burnouf noted that stolen vehicles may be connected to other criminal activities something that the Battlefords detachment has seen firsthand over the past year. Police are also asking residents to ensure they make a report to police when their vehicle is stolen.

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“We must all work together to mitigate crime in our communities,” Burnouf said. “We need the public to take that extra step to help keep their vehicles safe by securing them appropriately.”

Another request from the statement was removing garage door openers from the vehicle, as that could grant access to items in the garage, or even in the home.

Any residents who need to report something stolen or see any suspicious activity can report it to their local detachment, Turtleford RCMP in regards to western Saskatchewan communities, 911 in emergencies, and 310-RCMP or Crime Stoppers for immediate response.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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