Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
Lock it or lose it: that鈥檚 a reminder from Jasper RCMP to the community to keep their valuables safe from theft.
鈥淚t鈥檚 to make sure people lock their vehicles and hopefully their houses, keep their belongings out of sight,鈥� said Const. Kevin Poulin with Jasper RCMP.
鈥淲ith spring approaching, and the lifting of restrictions, campgrounds, lodges and hotels will be full,鈥� Poulin added.
鈥淭here鈥檒l be more people; there鈥檒l be lots in town. That means there鈥檚 more of a chance thefts will happen.鈥�
As well as locking your vehicle, police say not to leave items inside on the dashboard, console or any other visible place that could increase the temptation for someone to break in.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to make sure belongings are hidden from street and alley view,鈥� Poulin said.
He noted there was a drop in thefts generally between 2019 and 2021 and attributed the decrease to fewer people coming to town because of the pandemic.
鈥淭he overall amounts, the numbers, went down, after the pandemic was called two years ago,鈥� he said.
Thefts from vehicles reach beyond town streets and property.
A huge network of trails opens sights to the beauty of Jasper National Park, but Poulin warned that 鈥渁 number of thefts happen at trailheads and parking lots where people go on hikes.鈥�
He reminded folks to 鈥渕ake sure your belongings are removed when your vehicles are left for hours or days at a time.鈥�
Those with information about a theft can contact Jasper RCMP at 780-852-4848.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the 鈥淧3 Tips鈥� app.
Below are related crime stats provided by Poulin:
Theft from a vehicle
- 2018 鈥� 19
- 2019 鈥� 13
- 2020 鈥� 17
- 2021 鈥� 12
Theft of bicycle
- 2018 鈥� 8
- 2019 鈥� 5
- 2020 鈥� 4
- 2021 鈥� 6
Theft of vehicle
- 2018 鈥� 16
- 2019 鈥� 10
- 2020 鈥� 11
- 2021 鈥� 10
Property crimes (includes B&E, mischief, theft)
- 2018 鈥� 81
- 2019 鈥� 87
- 2020 鈥� 58
- 2021 鈥� 48
