“We’re encouraging everyone to take a moment before walking away from your vehicle,” says Staff Sgt. Michael Keef, with EPS Downtown Beats. “During the holiday season, people are often on the go with shopping and running errands or attending events. It’s easy to leave items inside your vehicle. Thieves are looking for quick opportunities.”
2025 by the numbers
So far this year, there have been 6,889 reports of theft from vehicles and mischief to vehicles throughout the city. While this is a 6% decrease from last year, vehicle-related crime remains a common occurrence citywide. Areas that see higher volumes of shopping, holiday activities, and majors events tend to experience more vehicle-related crime.
|
Division
|
Count
|
|
DOWN
|
1916
|
|
SWEST
|
1244
|
|
SEAST
|
1096
|
|
NWEST
|
960
|
|
WEST
|
895
|
|
NEAST
|
778
|
|
Grand Total
|
6,889
|
To help deter break-ins and thefts from vehicles, police recommend the following security tips:
- Always lock your vehicle, even if it is parked in a secure garage or underground parkade.
- Take your valuables, such as your wallet, electronics, backpack or purse with you.
- If you must leave any items in the vehicle, store them out of sight in the trunk or glove compartment.
- Avoid leaving personal documents in your vehicle, and lock your glove compartment.
- Do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle; it can give a thief access to the entire contents of your garage.
- Park in busy, well-lit areas.
- Do not leave your vehicle unlocked while running unattended, even if it’s just for a brief moment.
“We want people to enjoy the holidays without the frustration of discovering a smashed window or missing gifts,” adds Staff Sgt. Keef. “A few small habits of taking your belongings with you, locking up, and parking in high-vis areas can go a long way in lowering your chances of being targeted.”
Break-ins and theft from vehicle can be reported to police online. However, if you have video of the crime, you are asked to report it at a police station or call the non-emergency line at 780-423-4567, or #377 on a mobile device.
Reporting vehicle break-ins helps police investigate, track, and plan resources to combat this common occurrence and promote community safety and security.
The EPS is running a holiday safety public education campaign throughout the holiday season to help share safety tips, including theft prevention and vehicle and home security. Visit us at our website and on YouTube, Instagram and Facebookfor more information!