THE Vancouver Police Department and its partners have launched an initiative to help prevent older vehicles from being stolen. Through Project “Use It,” anyone in Vancouver with a vehicle not equipped with anti-theft technology is eligible for a free steering wheel lock.
“The VPD is committed to combatting property crime and its drivers in Vancouver,” said Constable Jason Doucette on Tuesday. “We know that stolen vehicles are not being used for commuting – most are being used to commit additional crimes. Simply making your car harder to steal can reduce overall crime in the city.”
The number of vehicles stolen in Vancouver continues to rise year-over-year. In 2016, 1,473 vehicles were stolen in the city. This number increased to 1,495 in 2017. Older-model Honda Civics and Accords continue to be the make and models stolen most often.
The Project is made possible with support and funding from the Vancouver Police Foundation and ICBC. The free steering wheel locks can be picked up by Vancouver residents who own vehicles without anti-theft technology, at the following community policing centres (CPC):
- Collingwood CPC – 5160 Joyce Street
- Hastings Sunrise CPC – 2620 East Hastings Street
- Kitsilano-Fairview CPC – unit 78, 1687 West Broadway Avenue
- Granville Downtown CPC – 1263 Granville Street
In addition, volunteers from the community policing centres will be looking for vulnerable vehicles parked on city streets and will provide owners with vouchers that can be exchanged for an anti-theft device at a community policing centre.
Top stolen vehicles in Vancouver in 2017:
- Honda Civic / CRX (pre-2000)
- Honda Accord (pre-1996)
- Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (pre 2000)
- Ford F-150XLT (all years)
- Ford Econoline E250 (pre 2013)
- Honda CRV (1997-1999)
- Toyota Corolla (all years)
- Dodge Caravan (pre 2006)
- Acura Integra (1992-1996)
- Ford F250 Supercab (1997-2004)
