Thieves targetting Ford trucks, police say

Calgary owners of Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks should take extra precautions to prevent them from being stolen, police said Friday.

Sgt. Tim Shannon of the auto theft unit said thieves in Calgary have found a "weakness" in the trucks that makes them easy to steal, taking 51 of them in January alone, compared to 29 in December and 11 in November.

Shannon did not disclose how thieves are stealing the vehicles.

The RCMP said a similar trend has been unfolding in areas around Calgary, including Airdrie, Cochrane, High River and Nanton.

"What we're trying to do to get to people is make them understand that they wouldn't leave $70,000 sitting in their driveway hoping that it would there in the morning. So why are you leaving your vehicle doing exactly the same thing," said Sgt. Patrick Webb of the Alberta RCMP.

At a news conference Friday morning, police recommended investing a few hundred dollars in anti-theft devices, such as a steering-wheel lock or an alarm system.

Shannon also warned drivers not to leave a vehicle running with the keys inside, even if locked, pointing out about 40 per cent of stolen vehicles recovered by Calgary police are found with the keys inside.

Police also expressed concern that thefts of the large pick-up trucks could also lead to serious injuries on the road given that car thieves tend to be reckless drivers.