“I go to the east end of the city because people have nice cars there and they don’t lock up their stuff.” This was a comment shared by a serial car thief, in a recent interview with Regina police investigators. Weekly auto theft statistics show people all over the city “don’t lock up their stuff”.
This past week, 62% of all stolen vehicles in Regina had keys in the ignition, keys in the vehicle; the vehicles were left running or the keys were stolen (from another vehicle or residence). Vehicle thefts occur everywhere in this city. Thieves decide when and how to strike, but it’s up to you to decide where the greatest opportunities are. Another disturbing trend is the tendency for owners or employees to leave the keys inside company vehicles parked inside compounds.
While we understand the desire for the convenience of leaving keys accessible in your vehicle’s console or ignition, please understand that doing this also grants that same convenience to those who would steal your car. And that great hiding spot in your car where you leave the keys? Serial car thieves have found them there already. They know to check under visors or floormats; or in consoles or gloveboxes.
Since the dawn of crime, thieves have had no respect for private property. We have no reason to believe that they will change their behaviour next week, so we implore you, Regina, to please change your behaviour. Always take your keys and encourage others to do the same.