The RCMP in Boyle are cautioning residents to lock their vehicles and ensure they are secured.
“In anticipation of the upcoming winter season and in response to some occurrences that have been reported over the past few months, we are urging residents to be diligent with securing their vehicles in the Village of Boyle and surrounding area,” said Boyle RCMP Cst. Alex Ayres.
Over the last 60 days, Boyle RCMP have responded to nine vehicle thefts.
“We find that in the winter months, drivers leave their vehicles unsecured with the keys in the ignition and running, while conducting business in the village,” Ayres stated.
“Police have responded in the past where criminals find vehicles running and are able to take them instantly.”
Ayres described one incident last year, when a vehicle was stolen and involved in a collision before the owner had noticed the vehicle had been taken.
“Operators of motor vehicles can take some simple steps to ensure they are not the victim of a theft,” he said.
“Individuals are urged to keep their vehicle locked at all times and never leave valuables inside the vehicle, especially in plain view.”
Ayres added they also recommend that anti-theft devices be used.
“We suggest the use of devices such as immobilizers or steering wheel locks to help deter criminals,” he explained.
“These can be utilized and are great tools that provide visual, physical or audible deterrents to would be thieves.
Owners can even save on insurance as some insurance companies even offer discounts for vehicles that have anti-theft devices.”
The Boyle RCMP are currently investigating several of the recent vehicle thefts and request anyone with any knowledge of these crimes to call the detachment at 780-689-3622.
Busy with drunk drivers
Over the last few weekends, RCMP have been on the watch for impaired drivers and continue to find those that should not be out on the road.
On Oct. 17, a quad being driven on Highway 855 in the Caslan area was stopped and the driver was subsequently detained. He will appear in court in Boyle on Nov. 25 to answer to several charges including impaired driving and driving while disqualified. The quad was towed and seized for 30 days.
Another area man will face impaired driving and drug possession charges after some suspicious vehicles were seen in a field near Donatville off Highway 63.
He is also set to appear in court Nov. 25.
And finally on Oct. 19, RCMP were conducting a Checkstop in a rural area near Donatville which resulted in a female driver with a graduated driver’s licence (GDL) was found to have alcohol in her system.
Under the Alberta Zero Alcohol Tolerance Program for GDL drivers, a 30-day suspension from driving was issued and the vehicle towed and seized for seven days.
