In only its second year of operation, TRAP’s impact on auto theft in Edmonton was significant, as members of the EPS Unit recovered more than $4,641, 000 in stolen vehicles.
“These numbers certainly demonstrate the progress that our team is making,” says Sgt. Quinton Cruise, of the EPS TRAP team.
“Unfortunately, there’s no shortage of work for our members these days, though it’s certainly rewarding to bring more and more of these stolen auto investigations to a positive conclusion.”
In many cases, says Cruise, the vehicle stolen is a crime of opportunity, and one that is preventable.
“Criminals are often scoping out their targets beforehand, looking for vehicles left unlocked or running in driveways and parking lots across the city. We will continue to message and attempt to raise awareness with the public throughout the year.”
TRAP members laid 1,035 new auto-theft related charges this year against 236 individuals, while executing 392 warrants. Investigators also recovered six utility cargo trailers, three travel trailers, one boat trailer, one boat, an excavator and skid steer and one ATV.
A total of 45 weapons (20 firearms and replica weapons) and 79 stolen licence plates were also recovered by TRAP.
Anyone with information regarding suspects involved with stolen autos is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.