Police specializing in auto crime recently announced some of the most-wanted car thieves in the province, and used the event to remind people how to keep their cars safer.
Enforcement, whether by local officers or the IMPACT auto-crime team, is one of the three pillars of bringing car thefts down.
But enforcement alone is never enough. Police can't be everywhere.
The second pillar has been technology. We've come a long way from blaring car alarms and steering wheel locks (although IMPACT representatives say the steering wheel locks aren't a bad idea).
Newer cars are simply harder to steal than those from decades past, which could be boosted with a coat hanger and a screwdriver in many cases.
The third pillar is car owner behaviour.
How many cars are stolen simply because they were left unlocked? How many were broken into because the owner left expensive sunglasses, a purse or wallet, or even money lying in plain view inside?
All three pillars could be strengthened.
On the enforcement side, targeting the high-end, sophisticated thieves is a priority. They've run rampant back east, and local agencies have to be prepared for their possible arrival here.
On safety, manufacturers could be incentivized to help out. Ottawa could mandate higher standards for build-in anti-theft technology for autos sold in Canada, as are in place in other countries.
For the final pillar, we need to keep reminding people about the basics of preventing auto theft. But you can only educate people so much.
Common sense is required, and people who routinely leave their wallets or keys sitting in their cup holder may be lacking in that department. Some people make the job easy for car thieves.
