There’s aren’t many hot wheels in Squamish.
In the past decade, car thefts in Squamish have dropped 79 per cent, according to ICBC’s latest crime statistics. Break-ins have followed the trend, falling 68 per cent between 2003 and 2013.
In 2003 there were 57 vehicles stolen from town, 45 more than last year. Last year, there were 33 reported thefts from vehicles within the community, a drop of 77 incidents when compared to 2003.
“Over the last 10 years we’ve seen a significant reduction across B.C.,” ICBC road safety coordinator Tom Webster said.
While overall auto crime incidents are falling, in 2013, a few communities – including Squamish – saw a slight increase in incidents from 2012. This could be a result of a few active thieves in the area, officials noted. In Squamish, there were 14 per cent fewer vehicle theft incidents, but 14 per cent more break-ins in 2013 compared to 2012.
In 2007, the addition of immobilizer to all new automobiles helped crack down on car theft, Webster said. The electronic security devices are fitted to vehicles and prevents the engine from running unless the correct key is used. This prevent hot wiring, Webster said.
The public is more aware of what steps they can take to minimize luring someone to break into their vehicle, Webster said. Police and crime volunteer groups are also targeting know hot spot, he noted.
“I think it is not one particular thing, it is a multi-pronged program approach,” Webster said.
Last January, Squamish Community Policing started a Citizens Crime Watch program. Nine volunteers target areas outline in police reports, community police coordinator Kathryn Hennigar said.
“They are extra sets of eyes and ears out there,” she said, noting their job is to observe and record information.
Overall the auto crime trends in Squamish have decreased over the years. ICBC officials want the public to help keep the trend going down. They ask that people visitwww.icbc.com/news.
