Vehicle thefts remain a concern for Lac La Biche RCMP

During the month of Jan. 2023, Lac La Biche RCMP responded to 565 requests for service from the residents of Lac La Biche County.  Property crime accounted for 23% of all RCMP files for the month, 11% accounted for persons crime, 33% were traffic related, and 13% were other common police activities. The remaining 20% were related other Criminal Code investigations and Federal or Provincial Statutes occurrences. 

Lac La Biche RCMP Occurrence Breakdown :

• 34 Assaults 
• 10 Uttering Threats
• 6 Criminal Harassement 
• 20 Break and Enters 
• 15 Theft of Motor Vehicle 
• 2 Theft over $5000 
• 21 Theft under $5000
• 16 Possession stolen property 
• 7 Frauds 
• 1 Arson 
• 16 Mischief damage to property 
• 16 General mischief 
• 13 Mental Health Act 
• 4 Alcohol related impaired driving 

Although this list is not inclusive, it offers a small snap shot into some of the investigations that Lac La Biche RCMP lead during the month of January 2023. 

February 2023 RCMP crime prevention calendar topic is theft of motor vehicle and theft from motor vehicle. In January, Lac La Biche RCMP responded to 15 Theft of Motor Vehicle files, 9 of those vehicles have been recovered at this time. Lac La Biche RCMP want to remind motorists to never leave their keys in the vehicle unattended and to always lock their doors. 

Last week during “Operation Cold Start”, residents of Lac La Biche may have received a flyer under their windshield wipers from RCMP members that were on foot patrol and were checking for signs of unlocked idling vehicles. Over the span of several days Lac La Biche RCMP members found 9 vehicles that were left unlocked with the keys in the ignition. 67 vehicles were located idling with keys in ignition that were secure or using command start. 

RCMP urge our community members to be vigilant in securing their personal belongings and protecting themselves against theft. Lac La Biche RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911 or call the local complaint line at 780-623-4380.