(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

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Feb 25, 2021 | 1:20 PM

The Chief of the Prince Albert Police Service is once again reminding the public to be careful about leaving vehicles unlocked, or keys left in the ignition, following an alarming number of vehicle thefts in January.

According to information provided during Thursday’s Board of Police Commissioners meeting, there were 27 stolen vehicles in the city last month. This was on par with the same month in 2020 (26). Chief Jon Bergen emphasized a large number of the incidents could have been prevented.

“Ten of the 27 reported stolen vehicles were determined to have keys available for them,” he said.

A look at the five year trend for stolen vehicles. (Prince Albert Police)

The clearance rate for stolen vehicles remains low with two charges laid related to the 27 incidents. According to information provided by police last month, the biggest reasons given for the inability to proceed with charges were insufficent evidence, followed by suspected insurance fraud and unfounded reports. Following Thursday’s meeting, Bergen told paNOW the stolen vehicles represent a loss of property but also become an issue of public safety.

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“It’s often someone has taken it that’s not going to drive in a safe way. If the police try to stop that, [the thieves] are more than likely not to stop and flee in a dangerous manner” he said.

When asked about where the stolen vehicles are located, Bergen said the majority are recovered in the city, but added others are found in other areas.

Unanswered questions

In a separate crime incident category, there were four robbery complaints in January, and all involved motor vehicles. When asked by Ward 6 Councillor Blake Edwards to elaborate on those incidents and whether someone was attacked, Bergen said he did not have the specifics available but did say the incidents involved people who were known to each other. Bergen promised to submit a report to the board at a future meeting.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell