From January 1 to April 8, 2013 92 passenger vehicles were stolen in the city of Abbotsford. This represents a 48% increase in the category. Through the same period last year 62 passenger vehicles were stolen. Abbotsford Police Department’s Crime Reduction and Crime Analysis Units have been working diligently to identify and target persons responsible. We have increased overt and covert enforcement but we recognize that prevention can also contribute to improving on the trend. Many of vehicles that are being stolen are older and not equipped with anti-theft devices. The APD and ICBC continue to offer free steering wheel locks to registered owners of those older model vehicles through our Community Policing Office.
On a more positive note, theft from autos is down 12 % through the first quarter of 2013. However, there are still many instances of owners leaving valuables inside their vehicles providing temptation and opportunity for thieves. Items such as wallets, purses, electronics and most recently crystals, have been the target in these thefts.