The theft-from vehicle series commenced in January of this year, which saw thieves targeting condo complexes in southwest Edmonton neighbourhoods including Garneau, Strathcona, Ermineskin and The Hamptons.
Perpetrators are gaining access to these condo parkades through various means, including open parkade garage doors, prying open side doors, lockbox break-ins and overhead door tampering. Most recently, some suspects are also gaining access to the building’s lobby by tampering with the vestibule intercom system, then taking the elevator to the parkade.
Valuables including bicycles left in the parkade, laptops, phones and purses have been stolen from vehicles, during the series.
A majority of these thefts and break-ins involved individual incidents at multiple condos, though two buildings, one near 85 Avenue and 111 Street and the other at 46 Avenue and 199 Street, have been targeted on nine separate occasions thus far in 2020.
Police are encouraging residents throughout the city to refrain from leaving valuables in their vehicles, even in secure parkades. Condo managers are also encouraged to target-harden their buildings, by installing proper security devices at all locations in their buildings, including card swipe access to elevators and interior doors to parkades.
Anyone with information regarding these parkade B&Es and theft-from vehicle incidents and/or the suspects involvedis asked to call EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
Parkade Safety Tips
There are two types of parkades:
1) Parkades open to the public. Examples include: hospitals, Commonwealth Stadium, Milner Library or Edmonton Centre. These have pedestrian access.
2) Parkades in apartment buildings and condominiums. These have controlled access.
Here are some tips to keep you and your vehicle safe when parking in a parkade:
- When entering or exiting an apartment or condominium parkade, always wait for the door to close. Watch for anyone sneaking in and call police if necessary.
- Regardless of where you park your vehicle, do not leave anything in view.
- Always lock your vehicle to discourage persons from entering and searching your glove box.
- Carry your registration and insurance with you. Do not leave it in the car. This will protect you against identity theft.
- Do not leave a garage door opener in your vehicle. This is quite common in Edmonton, as a thief may use it to break into your house while you are away.
- Theft of vehicle license plates is common. The Edmonton Police Service offers free anti-theft bolts to secure license plates. These are available at any police station.
- Never leave a spare key in your vehicle.
- Consider using a "club" to secure the steering wheel if you have an older vehicle without adequate anti-theft features. You can purchase one from an AMA near you (you don't have to be member).
- Consider your personal safety. Parkades are often dark and deserted. Know what to do if something happens. The best defense against an attack is awareness and action. If faced with an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, leave the parkade and seek assistance.