Sylvan Lake RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in preventing a crime trend which involves perpetrators rummaging through unlocked vehicles under cover of darkness.
Cash, cigarettes, GPS units and other valuables have been stolen.
“Unfortunately there continues to be an abundance of unlocked vehicles in Sylvan Lake,” said Cpl. James Allemekinders.
Some of those caught are underage youths. The parents of these people are often unaware what their kids are up to at night.
“We encourage all parents to know where their children are and confirm with other parents or adults that their children are where they are supposed to be,” he said.
Recently a concerned citizen set up a video camera and captured three youths attempting to get into a vehicle. The culprits were unsuccessful as the vehicle was locked. The youths captured in the photo are identifiable and can expect a visit from RCMP in the near future, said Allemekinders.
He encouraged parents to ensure they know what their children are doing, vehicle owners to ensure vehicles are locked and citizens to keep an eye out for this type of activity and call police immediately.
To assist in reminding vehicle owners of this problem, when police locate an unlocked vehicle during the course of their duties, a reminder pamphlet will be placed on the seat of the unlocked vehicle and it will be locked by the officer on patrol.