A vehicle stolen every two days in Bonnyville area: RCMP

So far in 2023, a vehicle is stolen every second day within the Bonnyville Detachment area.

That’s what the Bonnyville RCMP are seeing to begin the year.

S/Sgt. Sarah Parke released information and pleaded with residents to not let their vehicle idle, which is a major cause of these thefts.

These investigations can “tie up” police resources for a significant time, she says.

“One example from an investigation this past winter had several RCMP members including Police Dog Services and another assisting unit involved. Approximately 20 man hours were used to recover a stolen truck that had been left idling with the keys in it,” said Parke. 

“Had that driver taken the basic steps to prevent the truck from being stolen, that’s 20 hours that roughly 10 members of the RCMP could have been spent on other investigations and proactive police work.” 

Insurance costs are also a factor when vehicles get stolen.

“Insurance payouts vary depending on the value of the vehicle and its condition when it’s recovered.  Additionally, if there are drugs recovered within the vehicle there’s the added cost to sanitize the interior. 

“While there is no average insurance cost made available to the public, it is fair to say we all pay every time a vehicle is stolen.  Insurance payouts come from a pool that everyone pays into via their premiums, and as long as vehicles continue to be stolen, premiums will continue to rise for theft coverage – for EVERYONE (sic),” said Parke. 

Reminders such as not letting a vehicle idle while unlocked, not leaving your keys in the vehicle, and always locking your vehicle are very important, she says.