Okotoks RCMP have done some research and based on the data they've collected over 2016 they saw 56 percent increase in the vehicle thefts locally.

2015 saw only 91 calls for stolen vehicles while last year saw 163 different responses due to the thefts.

The RCMP and it's members monitored the following streets of Cimarron Grove Drive, Westland Street, Crystal Shores Heights, and Glorond Place from December 31, 2017 to January 3, 2017 and checked 100 vehicles and discovered a 12:3 ratio of vehicles locked to unlocked. That's one car unlocked in every four observed.

RCMP found plenty of items in plain sight during their patrols and from any passerby.

-Purses & Wallets
- Debit & Credit Cards
- Various tools: personal or work related
- Sports equipment, hockey, golf, fitness items.
- Sunglasses

RCMP are reminding residents to prevent future vehicle thefts to park in well lit areas, remove all keys from your vehicle, LOCK all doors and fully close windows and hide or remove valuable items.

Also the RCMP recommend that garage door openers should be kept out of sight or out of vehicles as they're another mean of getting easy access into garages and homes.

If you have any information on thefts from vehicles or any other crimes, you're asked to call Okotoks RCMP at 403-995-6400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

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