Motor vehicle thefts are on the rise in Prince George and have been steadily increasing for the last seven months.
According to RCMP, more than 160 vehicles have been reported stolen since March of this year, with September peaking at 31.
Since the beginning of October, 19 vehicles have been reported missing to police, which is on pace to surpass last month.
PG RCMP Corporal Craig Douglass said there’s a common vehicle being targeted.
“We have full-size pick-ups being the most sought-after and that seems to be the case again; Ford F series, Dodge Rams, Chevy trucks, GMCs, and Toyota Tundras are in the mix. and then you have other cars such as SUVs.”
Douglass added police believe some of the stolen vehicles are being used to commit other crimes too and explains the spike.
“A lot of times, the thefts are simply convenient because it’s close to where they might be. In some cases, perhaps they’re being sought out in respect to an an area where it would be easier to steal since there’s a less chance of detectioan. And also whether or not it has a anti-theft device because it makes it a lot easier when it doesn’t.”
Police are reminding residents to make sure their vehicles are locked overnight, consider getting an anti-theft device, and to never leave personal property inside it.
Anyone with more information on the thefts of these vehicles, or future crimes, is asked to call the Prince George RCMP at (250) 561-3300, or Crime-Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.