Alberta is experiencing a surge in vehicle thefts, with criminals increasingly targeting high-value trucks using advanced techniques. Recovery rates have plummeted, and police warn of organized crime's involvement. They urge owners to install anti-theft devices and remain vigilant to prevent their vehicles from being stolen.
Police in Alberta say auto theft s are becoming more sophisticated and owners should be more vigilant in preventing their vehicles from disappearing off the streets.
“We are seeing offenders coming from out east and targeting vehicles here,” said Edmonton police Staff Sgt. Ian Strom. In the past, police were able to track down the vast majority of stolen vehicles. Until the past few years, Edmonton police would recover 80 per cent or more of stolen cars every year, Strom said.
Specific, higher-end models have increasingly become targets. Last July, Edmonton police recovered 12 stolen autos valued at $780,000, four of which were Lexus vehicles. “We’re going to come and recover that vehicle, and that loss is going to be on your shoulders,” Strom said.Rapidly declining recovery rates also indicate a larger presence of organized criminal behaviour, police said.
AUTO THEFT ORGANIZED CRIME ALBERTA POLICE PREVENTION
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