The Vancouver Police Department is making it tougher to steal cars in the City of Vancouver with a new crime prevention initiative targeting the vehicles that are most often stolen.
Over the past five years, the property crime rate has been reduced by over 35 per cent. During the same period, the number of stolen vehicles has declined by over 51 per cent.
However, there was a noticeable change last year when the number of stolen vehicles increased by 6.7 per cent over the previous year. Specifically, the rise was driven by an increase in the number of trucks and vans stolen.
Not only does having a vehicle stolen negatively impact the owner, the majority of stolen vehicles are used to commit secondary property and/or violent crimes.
To combat the issue, and with the support and funding from the Vancouver Police Foundation and ICBC, the Vancouver Police Department is launching “Operation Lock-Up.”
Operation Lock-Up aims to prevent vehicle theft by offering steering wheel locks free of charge to Vancouver residents who own one of the top ten most frequently stolen vehicles:
1. Honda Civic (Pre-2000)
Image: Bula Photography
2. Ford F150, F250, F350 trucks (Pre-1999 F150; Pre-2007 F250 / F350)
Image: ghost 8701
3. Honda Accord (Pre-1998)
Image: 10nisboy
4. Dodge / Plymouth / Chrysler minivan (1991-2000)
Image: Tim Syoen
5. Jeep Cherokee (1993-1999)
Image: Kenjonbro
6. Ford Econoline Van (2000-2007)
Image: Government Auctions
7. Toyota Corolla (1990-2004)
Image: Juan Barredo
8. Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra trucks (1992-2006)
Image: Kevin Sanders
9. Acura Integra (1990-2001)
Image: Brian Renken
10. Toyota Camry / Solara (1989-1999)
Image: Grainger Honda
To obtain a complimentary steering wheel lock, please bring your vehicle’s registration papers to one of the following locations:
VANCOUVER POLICE DEPARTMENT PUBLIC INFORMATION COUNTERS
2120 Cambie Street (map)
Open Daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3585 Graveley Street (map)
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VANCOUVER COMMUNITY POLICING OFFICES
Granville CPC
1263 Granville Street
West End Coal Harbour CPC
1267 Davie Street
Aboriginal CPC
875 East Hasting Street
Chinese CPC
118 Keefer Street
Grandview Woodland
1977 Commercial Drive
Hastings Sunrise CPC
2620 East Hastings Street
Collingwood CPC
5160 Joyce Street
South Vancouver CPC
5657 Victoria Drive
Kitsilano Fairview CPC
#78 – 1687 W. Broadway
Kerrisdale, Oakridge & Marpole CPC
6070 East Boulevard
Vancouver Police Community Policing volunteers will be placing flyers on at-risk vehicles telling them about Operation Lock-up, and the VPD will also be giving the steering wheel locks away at various community events throughout the year.
Featured Image: Pure Water