Diamond Valley citizens are being warned to lock more than just their vehicles to prevent theft this summer.
During the evening of July 28, a 2006 tent trailer was stolen from the driveway of a Black Diamond residence and four days later was found damaged and abandoned in Okotoks, says Turner Valley RCMP Sgt. Paulina Larrey-King.
Larrey-King said the same night the trailer was stolen a resident down the street reported to have a part missing from their tent trailer. RCMP suspect the part was taken to help the perpetrator hook the stolen tent trailer onto their vehicle.
No suspects have been identified in the crime.
Larrey-King advises Diamond Valley residents to take extra precautions with their belongings. Regarding items like trailers, she suggests purchasing a hitch lock to prevent theft.
“A trailer like that could be gone and never ever spotted again,” she said. “A simple lock to protect their property is recommended. It doesn’t matter where you are you have spurts of crime that is transient in nature.”
The RCMP are also getting numerous reports from Diamond Valley residents that their vehicles are being entered and riffled through. Thieves appear to be checking door handles and taking items from unlocked vehicles.
“We are finding out the next day when people get to their vehicle and their documents are all scattered and their change is gone,” said Larrey-King. “The unlocked vehicles are a huge problem. Many times it’s organized coming out of the city.”
Larrey-King said criminals gaining access to unlocked vehicles was a big problem last spring. The RCMP caught the criminals, who lived in Calgary. Since then, she said the crimes have been more sporadic.
“A lot of people don’t even bother reporting it,” she said. “Report anything that is out of place in your community. Then we have a better idea of what’s going on in our community.”
In addition to encouraging residents to keep an eye on their neighbourhood, Larrey-King also suggests they be diligent in locking their vehicles.
“It’s a crime of opportunity,” she said. “They are quite successful and that’s why they continue doing it. Locking your car doors or purchasing a hitch lock for your trailers can often be enough to deter such crimes.”
Anyone who witnessed this or any other crime or has information regarding one is asked to contact the Turner Valley RCMP at 403-933-7227 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
