Keep valuable holiday shopping out of cars: EPS

A car window is smashed in this undated, generic photo.

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is reminding people to not keep valuable items in the car for long periods of time while doing your holiday shopping this year.

So far in 2025, there have been 6,889 reported vehicle thefts or mischief to vehicles throughout Edmonton.

That’s a six-per-cent decrease from 2024, but an EPS news release Wednesday said areas that see higher volumes of seasonal shopping and activity tend to experience more vehicle-related crime.

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The largest amount of theft and break-in reports around the city this year have been concentrated in the downtown core at 1,916 instances.

“During the holiday season, people are often on the go with shopping or running errands or attending events. It’s easy to leave items inside your vehicle,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Keef.

“Thieves are looking for quick opportunities.”

Police have released the following tips for reducing the chances coming back to your car only to be met with disappointment this season:

• always lock your vehicle, even if it is parked in a secure garage or underground parkade.
• take your valuables, such as your wallet, electronics, backpack or purse with you.
• if you must leave any items in the vehicle, store them out of sight in the trunk or glove compartment.
• avoid leaving personal documents in your vehicle, and lock your glove compartment.
• do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle; it can give a thief access to the entire contents of your garage.
• park in busy, well-lit areas.
• do not leave your vehicle unlocked while running unattended, even if it’s just for a brief moment.

EPS is also running a public education campaign through the season on topics like vehicle and home safety and theft prevention.

Vehicle and break-in thefts can be reported to EPS online, although officers ask you to come into a police station for any reports involving video of the crime.