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 combating property crime and its drivers in Vancouver,” says Constable Jason Doucette, VPD. “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
Chinese CPC – #106 – 268 Keefer Street
West End Coal Harbour CPC – 1267 Davie Street
Vancouver Aboriginal CPC – 1719 Franklin Street
Grandview Woodland CPC – 1977 Commercial Drive
South Vancouver CPC – 5435 Victoria Drive
Kerrisdale Oakridge Marpole CPC – 6070 East Boulevard
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)