“There is a significant impact to our community” says, Supt. Terry Rocchio with Northeast Division. “Edmontonians are victimized when criminal steal vehicles for a joy ride.”
Theft of autos can be a crime of opportunity for offenders who are targeting running and unlocked vehicles in Northeast Edmonton.
Two youth have had significant interaction with Northeast Division patrol officers in February 2015. The charts below outline their activities.
Young Offender A:
Occurrence | 2015 Date | Charge Details | Release Details |
1) | February 1 | Arrested for Possession of Stolen Property-Over $5000. | Released on $250 OR same day. |
2) | February 7 | Arrested for Theft of Truck and Possession of Stolen Property-Over $5000 | Released on Feb 8th on $1000 OR w/ conditions. |
3) | February 14 | Arrested for Theft of Auto | Released same day on PTA. |
4) | February 16 | Arrested for Theft of Truck. | Released Feb 17th on Recog. |
5) | February 19 | Arrested for Outstanding Warrants. | Released same day on $1000 OR w/ conditions. |
6) | February 21 | Arrested for Breach Recognizance on Feb 20th. | Released Feb 22nd on $500 OR. |
7) | February 25 | Suspect in Theft of Auto. |
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8) | February 26 | Arrested for Possession of Stolen Property-Over $5000 (later to be charged with another count of Possession of Stolen Property from this same day). | Released Feb 27th on $2000 OR w/ conditions. |
9) | February 28 | Arrested for Possession of Stolen Property-Over $5000 and Breach of Recognizance Feb 27th. | Bail denied, transferred to EYOC on March 2nd. |
10) | March 19 |
| Released from EYOC at 6:30 p.m. |
11) | March 20 | Arrested for Possession of Stolen Property-Under $5000 at 10 a.m. | Bail denied, transferred into EYOC. |
Young Offender B:
Occurrence | 2015 Date | Charge Details | Release Details |
1) | February 4 | Arrested for Possession of Stolen Property-Over $5000. | Released on PTA Feb 5th. |
2) | February 7 | Arrested for Theft of Truck and Possession of Stolen Property-Over $5000. | Released Feb 8th on $750 OR w/ conditions. |
3) | February 19 | Arrested for Breach of Recognizance Feb 13th and Feb 15th. | Released same day on $1500 OR w/ conditions. |
4) | February 25 | Arrested for Breach of Recognizance Feb 20th, Feb 21st, and Feb 24th. | Released Feb 26th. |
5) | March 3 | Arrested for Breach of Recognizance Mar 2nd. | Released Mar 4th on $100 OR. |
6) | March 5 | Arrested for Shoplifting $5000 or Under. | Released Mar 6th on $500 OR. |
7) | March 7 | Arrested for Breach of Recognizance. | Released same day on $1200 No Cash Bail w/ conditions. |
8) | March 19 | Arrested for Breach of Recognizance March 18th. | Bail denied, transferred to EYOC, and released March 24th. |
EYOC: Edmonton Young Offender Centre
OR: Own Recognizance
PTA: Promise to Appear
*Disclosure of identities of the two alleged offenders is prohibited the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Northeast Division had 125.8% more reported theft of auto complaints in February 2015 compared to February 2014. So far, March 2015 has an increase is 40% of reported theft of auto complaints compared to March 2014. Citywide, theft of auto increased almost 33% in February 2015 and 31% in March 2015 compared to the same time frame last year.
“The statistics are clear. When the same two individuals are repeatedly arrested for the same type of alleged crime, it has a significant impact on EPS resources,” says Supt. Rocchio. “Not only are police officers apprehending suspects for criminal activity, they are going the extra mile, working with EPS Youth Unit and attempting to refer these youth to social services that can help addressed their criminal behavior and steer them in the right direction.”
Crime Prevention Tips for Theft of Auto
Do not leave your vehicle running - Under no circumstances should you leave your vehicle unattended while running with the key in the ignition. NOTE: Automatic car starters are not a problem; they are designed to shut off if attempts are made to steal the vehicle.
No Spare Keys - Do not leave a spare key hidden in the vehicle. Thieves look for spare keys, and once they break into your vehicle they know all the hiding spots. You can get a spare key holder for your wallet or purse.
Lock Up Your Vehicle - Always check that the doors, windows, and sun roofs are shut and locked when you park your vehicle. As well, leave your vehicle in a locked garage where possible. If the crime rate is high in your area also lock your vehicle even when it is in the locked garage.
Use a Steering Wheel Locking Device (e.g. The Club) - A well-secured car will deter thieves. There are other devices available to consumers to stop thieves from easily stealing your vehicle. See your local automotive stores for details.
Do not leave items in your vehicle - Thieves can be attracted to your car because numerous items are left in plain site. Never leave anything in your vehicle. That means loose change, cell phones, CDs, cameras, clothing, sunglasses, cigarettes, cigarette lighters, and any other items.