Car thefts are down in Calgary, while car thefts are on the rise

According to the Calgary Police Service, car thefts have increased in the city over the past year, while vehicle thefts have decreased.

In 2023, the number of car thefts was 4,898, a decrease of 18 percent. compared to 5,924 in 2022. The five-year average was 5,772, a decrease of 15.8%.

In 2022, there were 40, and in 2023, a total of 59 car thefts were registered in the city. Nine events have already occurred this year, on pace to exceed the 2023 total.

The Calgary Police Service noted that carjackings are not motivated by organized crime to sell cars, a phenomenon seen in places like BC and Ontario.

Alberta RCMP have the following tips to help people avoid vehicle theft:

• Always lock your doors when you're not in your car, especially if it's running;
• Never leave your keys in the car;
• Remove all valuables and keep your purchases in the trunk until you get home;
• Use the steering wheel club;
• Always lock the garage and do not keep the garage door opener in the car;
• If possible, park the car in a well-lit area; and
• Consider installing a vehicle tracking system.

Approximately 100,000 vehicles are stolen in Canada each year, costing policyholders and taxpayers approximately one billion dollars.

A summit is being held in Ottawa on Thursday to address the country's growing car thefts.

The federal government's negotiations began when it allocated $28 million to help the Canada Border Services Agency track and trace shipping containers loaded with stolen vehicles sent overseas.