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Police shift into high gear after vehicle theft spike

Aug 29, 2017 | 10:10 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- With auto thefts up from 2016, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) are asking the public to be vigilant.

According to a news release issued Tuesday, vehicle theft has seen a dramatic rise in 2017. Year to date, there have been 107 reports of stolen vehicles, while in 2016 there were 67 in the same period.

Inspector Brent Secondiak with the Medicine Hat Police Service says drug activity in the city could be a reason for the increase.

“We believe it’s directly related to the drug trade,” he said. “People (are) consuming, trafficking, using methamphetamine and opioids, and it’s really out of complacency from drivers in the city.”

Secondiak adds many of the vehicle thefts had one common denominator. The vehicles were often left running or unlocked, and the keys were easily accessible.

“It’s a crime of convenience for (criminals), they take the vehicles and commit other criminal offences,” said Secondiak.

The release states that police are working to apprehend and charge the offenders in the thefts and recover the stolen vehicles.

Secondiak says the most important thing for drivers to do is make sure their cars are locked, even when they step away from them for a few minutes.

Police also asked for anyone seeing something suspicious in their neighbourhood to contact them at 403-529-8481, or call 911 if they see a crime in progress.