ICBC, Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP and crime prevention volunteers have teamed up to launch the Operation Lock Up program to help residents protect their older-model vehicles from being stolen by providing them with free steering wheel locks.
Since 2003, police enforcement and increased customer awareness plus legislation requiring immobilizers in all new vehicles, has led to a significant reduction in overall auto crime in B.C., including an 18 per cent decrease in auto theft in Vernon in 2012 compared to 2011.
However, thieves are constantly looking for any opportunity and will often target specific communities or neighbourhoods. For instance, in 2008, vehicle theft incidents in Vernon suddenly spiked by 43 per cent after four consecutive years of decreases.
“Operation Lock Up gives drivers in Vernon the tools they need to fight back against auto theft and crime, and prevent car thieves from targeting their vehicles,” said Shirley Bond, justice minister.
“Operation Lock Up and B.C.’s other anti-auto theft programs have been extremely successful over the last decade, with a 73 per cent reduction in auto theft across the province. I encourage anyone who qualifies to take advantage of this program.”
The following are the most common vehicles targeted by thieves in the southern Interior:
- Ford F-Series (2003-2006);
- Chrysler (Dodge/Plymouth) Ram (1996, 2001);
- Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra (1996, 1998);
- Honda Civic (1998, 2000);
- Dodge Jeep Dakota Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (1992, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2002);
- Ford Explorer (1997, 2001);
- Chrysler (Dodge/Plymouth) Caravan/Voyager (1992, 1994, 1998);
- Ford Ranger (1989, 2002);
- Volkswagen Jetta (1986, 2008).
Community police volunteers began Thursday providing free steering wheel locks, while supplies last, to local residents who own these targeted vehicles and other pre-2001 vehicles not equipped with an immobilizer.
Local Vernon residents can obtain a steering wheel lock by bringing their vehicle registration to the Vernon Community Policing Office, #101 – 3334, 30th Avenue, Vernon, 8 a.m to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
The office is open today only from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“We want to help protect our customers in Vernon who own older vehicles, as these vehicles are more at risk of being stolen,” said Christine Silver, ICBC road safety coordinator for Vernon. “We’re proud of this award-winning initiative – less auto crime creates safer communities and helps us keep our rates as low as possible.”
Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP Insp. Jim McNamara said thieves target older-model vehicles simply because they’re the easiest to take if not equipped with an anti-theft device.
“Protecting your vehicle with a steering wheel lock is the most cost effective way of reducing your risk of being the victim of auto crime,” said McNamara.
In addition to using an anti-theft device, you can protect yourself from auto crime by parking in secure, well-lit areas, always locking your doors, removing all valuables and keeping your keys in a safe place.
The Vernon Community Policing Safe Communities Unit has a booth set up at the Village Green Centre today from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for more information about volunteering to prevent crime in the region and other community safety programs.
