The VPD is committed to reducing property crime in Vancouver and is making unprecedented efforts to tackle property crime. On October 10th, the VPD launched a new crime prevention initiative, Operation Lock-Up, which focuses on vehicles that are most often stolen in the City of Vancouver.
The number of stolen vehicles increased by 6.7% from 2012. The best anti-theft device is an electronic immobilizer, since it prevents the engine from starting without a key. From the Top 10 vehicles most commonly stolen in the Metro Vancouver area and the Top 25 vehicles most commonly stolen in BC in 2012, only one vehicle was manufactured after 2007 (2008 Ford Ranger). This reflects the fact that older vehicles are not equipped with an immobilizer and are more vulnerable to theft.
Operation Lock-Up aims to prevent vehicle theft by offering steering wheel locks free of charge to Vancouver residents who own one of the top ten most frequently stolen vehicles. To learn more, please visit http://mediareleases.vpd.ca/2013/10/10/operation-lock-up/.
The program, funded by a $20,000 grant from the Vancouver Police Foundation, is a partnership between the Vancouver Police Department, the Vancouver Police Foundation and ICBC.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall under one of four pillars: Youth Programs, Mental Health & Addictions, Community Outreach & Engagement, and Technology & Special Equipment. You can help build a safer Vancouver by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
