The larger models in the Ford F-Series (F250 and F350), specifically those built before 2008, are being stolen with increased frequency.
The EPS is hoping to hammer home the need for owners of these and all large pickup trucks to properly alarm or lock their steering wheel column in their vehicles. Criminals have discovered ways to override the locking devices found in older models.
In addition to the personal financial loss and inconvenience of having a vehicle stolen, the EPS has identified a public safety issue related to large Ford 4x4 trucks being stolen and the criminal activities they are being used for.
“While the truck thefts alone are highly troubling, what makes these crimes a higher risk to the community is they are generally stolen by drug addicted property criminals, who are more likely to engage the police in reckless and highly dangerous pursuits,” says Acting Insp. Malcolm Allan, Downtown Division. “While we do our utmost to maintain public safety in these instances, there is an increasing trend of these vehicles being driven at extremely high rates of speed and in the most dangerous fashion, whether police are actively pursuing them or not.”
In addition to the large trucks being used to commit property crimes, police are finding a disturbing increase of drugs and loaded firearms in the trucks when affecting an arrest.
Owners can contact a local Ford Dealer or vehicle alarm store regarding installation of an alarm system and the Club can be purchased at most retail stores.
Background:
Since the beginning of 2013, 184 F250 and F350 series trucks, or slightly more than one per day, are stolen within the city limits; when the surrounding rural and suburban areas are included that number almost doubles.
In Canada, F-Series trucks were responsible for four of the top 10 most stolen vehicles through 2012. By comparison, Alberta has only two other vehicles in its top 10: the Neon and the Integra. The remaining eight spots were F-Series models. Other provinces don't experience Ford thefts on a level comparable to Alberta and, by extension, Edmonton.
Ontario, for instance, has various models of Cadillac Escalades and Acuras taking up the majority of spots in their top 10. Fords don't even crack their top 10; Alberta is most certainly a truck province and it is reflected in our vehicle thefts, noted Allan.