Police shift into high gear after vehicle theft spike
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.”