Preventing Vehicle Theft and Break-Ins

Most vehicle crime are crimes of opportunity. These crimes can happen anywhere, even in safe neighbourhoods. There are steps you can take to protect your vehicle and belongings.

The most common reasons vehicles are stolen include:

• Transportation: thieves steal vehicles to get from one place to another, before abandoning them.
• Criminal activity: stolen vehicles are used in other crimes, such as break and enters or robberies.
• Resale: Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) are altered and vehicles are sold to unsuspecting buyers.
• Parts: vehicles are stolen for parts or upgrades.

Take the following steps to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen:

• Close and lock all doors, windows and sunroofs, even in a garage.
• Secure all garage doors and entrances.
• Never leave spare keys inside the vehicle.
• Do not leave your car running and unattended.
• Install a car alarm if not already equipped.
• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas or secure lots with:
  • Security cameras
  • On-site security
  • Controlled access

Protect your property:

• Close and lock all doors, windows and sunroofs.
• Remove all valuables, including:
  • Cash or loose change
  • Electronics, such as cellphones, personal computers, tablets and cameras
  • Jewelry, clothing and sunglasses
  • Cigarettes and lighters
  • Shopping bags
• Do not leave garage door openers or personal documents (such as vehicle registration or driver’s licences) in the car.
• Use digital copies of insurance instead of paper.

Be cautious when buying or selling vehicles online. Fake bank drafts and altered VINs are common scams.

Sellers:

• Go with the buyer to a bank and witness the draft being issued.
• Take possession of the bank draft before releasing the vehicle.

Buyers:

• Verify the ownership history and seller identification.
• Check the VIN of the vehicle in question through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) for stolen vehicle reports.

Be wary of:

• Vehicles that have been re-registered within six months.
• Mismatched or missing ID, or sellers who refuse to provide ID.
• Sellers who are unable to give verifiable details about the vehicle’s ownership history.
• Out-of-province or U.S. registration.
• Prices well below market value.

If you suspect your vehicle or property has been stolen:

• Confirm the vehicle wasn’t towed: Call the Calgary Parking Authority impound lot: 403-537-7000.
• Report it stolen: Call the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234; for thefts in progress, call 911.
• Theft from a vehicle: File an online report or call 403-266-1234.