“We’re all busy, and we often store our belongings and purchases in our vehicles while we’re running between activities throughout our day, especially when we’re holiday shopping,” says Sgt. Sean Parker, with EPS Downtown Beats. “Police are reminding Edmontonians to remove or hide all valuables whenever they leave their vehicles unattended.”
To help deter break-ins and theft 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.
In 2024, there have been more than 7,000 reports of vehicle break-ins.
Vehicle break-in totals reported to police in 2024:
|
Month
|
Count
|
|
Jan
|
524
|
|
Feb
|
496
|
|
Mar
|
536
|
|
Apr
|
610
|
|
May
|
686
|
|
Jun
|
781
|
|
Jul
|
731
|
|
Aug
|
781
|
|
Sep
|
789
|
|
Oct
|
706
|
|
Nov
|
656
|
|
Dec (up to Dec 17)
|
342
|
|
TOTAL
|
7638
|
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 complaint 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 Facebook for more information!