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By Jaryn Vecchio

Stolen Vehicles

Should people be punished if they leave their vehicles running unattended? One Sask. mayor believes so

Jan 17, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Prince Albert’s mayor wants to see something done to stop people from leaving their vehicles running unattended with the keys inside.

Greg Dionne shared his concerns at the P.A. Board of Police Commissioners’ first meeting of 2024.

The city’s crime statistics for 2023 were shared and showed that there were nearly 500 vehicle thefts. This is up from the 464 in 2022 and 370 in 2021.

While there wasn’t an exact number, Police Chief Patrick Nogier explained many happened during the colder months due to people warming their vehicles up.

“We got to do a better job at getting public awareness out there and making sure people are taking every attempt possible to stop it,” he said.

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Dionne believes something needs to be done beyond just public engagement. He said the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) has agreed to discuss a resolution that would punish people caught idling their vehicles unattended with keys inside.

He explained they want the province and SGI to consider setting up a $2,500 deductible or refusing to cover the expenses of a stolen vehicle if it was taken while running unattended.

“They have the tool to punish people,” said Dionne.

He added if they don’t do this, they’re just giving people an escape when they practically served up their vehicle on a silver platter.

“One thing in P.A. If you can’t sell your car just leave it in your driveway with your keys in it and SGI will buy it.”

The resolution is expected to be up for discussion at SUMA’s 2024 Convention, happening in Regina from April 14 – 17.

If approved, they will start advocating to the province and SGI. Nothing the organization approves becomes law.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

X: @princealbertnow