The Prince George RCMP is teaming up with ICBC once again for Auto Crime Prevention Month.
During April, officers will be offering steering wheel locks to people who drive an older model vehicle without an anti-theft system.
Preferences will be given to those who own Fords, GMC/Chevrolet, and Dodge pick-up trucks that are eight years old.
“This program was a big success last December when we gave away 108 steering wheel locks in less than two weeks” advises Cpl. Craig Douglass, spokesperson for the Prince George RCMP.
Auto Crime Prevention Month will also focus on theft from vehicles. This is when valuables are taken from cars that, most often, are left unlocked.
“Last year, police reported more than 56,500 vehicle break-ins and over 11,600 vehicle thefts in BC” said Doug MacDonald, local ICBC road safety coordinator. “That’s why it’s important to remove and valuables from your vehicle and lock your doors and windows no matter how quickly you expect to return. We can all do our part to help lock out auto crime.”
PG has been no stranger to auto related thefts, as the city has seen an increase of 43 per cent from 2016 to 2017, while theft from vehicles has gone up 17 per cent during the same period.
For anyone who may need a wheel lock, you’re being asked to present your driver’s licence and insurance to the RCMP station located at 455 Victoria Street.
For any additional information about auto theft prevention can click here or here.
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