The Alberta Motor Association is offering up some tips to help vehicle owners avoid having their vehicle or items in their vehicle stolen this holiday season. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Alberta Motor Association warning motorists to ‘Lock It or Lose It’

Dec 18, 2022 | 3:00 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Albertans are in the thick of holiday shopping season, and the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) has some advice for drivers.

The agency says Alberta has the second highest rate of auto theft in Canada, so it’s ‘Lock It or Lose It’ campaign aims to share tips on how motorists can prevent vehicle theft.

Jeff Kasbrick, Vice President of Advocacy and Operations at AMA said, “many vehicle thefts, and thefts of valuables from vehicles, are crimes of opportunity.”

Kasbrick offered some tips for vehicle owners.

He said, “Simply removing your valuables or holiday shopping bags, removing your keys from the ignition, and locking your doors – even if you’ll only be gone for a minute – will deter many thieves looking for an easy target.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

10h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Kasbrick remarked that this time of year, would-be-thieves are looking for expensive holiday gifts.

He said, “Whether you’re parked outside a family member’s home or just stopping to stretch your legs, leaving gifts in sight of a thief is an open invitation.”

According to Statistics Canada, Alberta accounted for 19% of all thefts from motor vehicles across the country of amounts totally $5,000 or less in 2021.

Over 28,000 vehicles were broken into last year in Alberta, which the AMA says accounts for 79 vehicles per day. In 2021, 17,756 vehicles were stolen in Alberta, which is equates to 49 every day.

The AMA says thefts from vehicles “can also open the door to identity theft”, as some items that may be stolen could include personal information, like insurance papers and vehicle registration.

Read more Lethbridge News Now.