Cochrane RCMP cannot reiterate enough about safeguarding vehicles by locking up.

We are no longer that small town shares, Cochrane RCMP Constable Kary Moore, after responding to at least 25 complaints in the last week of theft of vehicles, theft from vehicles, and mischief to vehicles.

"Of those 25 complaints, 18 of those vehicles were left unlocked and/or running, so just a reminder that a lot of the times these are crimes of opportunity so would-be thieves are just checking the doors if it's locked. If they find a vehicle that's running and it is locked they generally just jump back in their vehicle or walk by and don't do anything to that vehicle. However, if the doors are unlocked and it's left running, they are taking those vehicles. We have had numerous complaints of thefts of running vehicles."

Moore feels many residents are still not quite getting the fact that Cochrane is growing and thieves are looking to prey on those that are unsuspecting. "I think people are very trusting, which is good. It's unfortunate that we have to put out these reminders. Yes, I think there are many, many people even if the vehicle is in their driveway they think it is good and safe and start their vehicles without locking them and then walking away for a few minutes or stopping into a convenience store and leave it running because they are just going in for a minute; it is very much small town thinking and trusting." 

While it may seem odd to think that thieves are lingering in your quiet neighbourhood, Cst. Moore adds that is exactly what they are banking on. "Would-be thieves know that and count on that. That is why they're going to these random locations deep in the subdivisions where you think there's no traffic and they know that people are trusting."

Items stolen from the unlocked vehicles include electronics, cash, sunglasses and other easy to steal items.