Car theft is a growing problem in Canada, thankfully in Winnipeg, we have the Air1 helicopter that helps police to track down and find the stolen vehicle fast! A new report from the Canadian Insurance Bureau says that picky car thieves are increasingly targeting Ford trucks and high-end SUVs. At the same time, the total number of car thefts continues to grow throughout the country.
Four people are in custody facing more than 100 charges between them after three days of mayhem earlier this month.
Winnipeg Police continue to receive reports of hijackings of cars that were abandoned or with the keys in the ignition. In mid-December, Manitoba Public Insurance issued a press release stating that of the 3,100 hijackings last year, 90% of the hijackers used the original keys. In about 50% of the cases, the keys were in the ignition or in the glove compartment. In other cases, the keys were stolen from the house or from the pockets of owner`s jackets.
The first vehicle was stolen from Weatherstone Place sometime between Jan. 19-22nd.
The second vehicle, a truck, was swiped January 22nd from a home in the 900 block of Kildonan Drive.
The Canadian insurance bureau reports in its annual list of the most frequently stolen cars that the Ford F-Series trucks again ranked first. Henry Tso, vice president of the board of inquiry, says thieves in Ontario and Alberta prefer trucks, and in Atlantic Canada, Nissan Maxima, as well as Chevy Silverado and Jeep Liberty are most often stolen.
Fellow Winnipeggers, please be careful where you leave your vehicle, as the report shows almost no car theft occurred at Parkades and underground garages, as they are equipped with multiple security cameras and have gates, where you have to stop and pay to get out, also security guards at the premises discourage car thieves. So think twice before leaving your vehicle just on the street, try to avoid bad neighborhoods and keep an eye on your car keys.