On the heels of its successful bait car program, the B.C. government has announced its latest tool in catching would-be thieves: the bait trailer.
Solicitor General Shirley Bond made the announcement in Richmond Thursday, saying more than 500 trailers have been stolen in the past year. The new crime-fighting trailers will be equipped with GPS technology.
It's hoped the new bait trailers, which can range from recreational and camping-type trailers, to mobile cargo and utility units, will be as successful as the bait car program.
Bond said auto theft in B.C. was down 22 per cent compared to 2009.
"The most important part of the story is that we've seen seven consecutive years of decrease," Bond said.
But not all areas are seeing that decline. The number of stolen cars in Kamloops, Langley and Richmond rose between 2009 and 2010.
ICBC says thefts from cars are also declining. That said, five cities -- Mission, Port Coquitlam, Prince George and Richmond -- saw a 20-per-cent increase from 2009. West Vancouver saw a whopping 46 cent increase.
The most often stolen vehicles are:
- Ford F Series trucks
- Honda Civics
- Chevrolet/GMC trucks
- Honda Accords
- Plymouth Rams
Police also released their list of the 10 most prolific car thieves in B.C. at the news conference.
ICBC says drivers also need to watch their keys, as key theft in some communities is on the rise.
It only takes a few seconds for someone to steal your key from a community centre, go out to a parking lot and find out where your key is parked by clicking the automatic door opener.
ICBC says to protect yourself from auto theft it's best to remove all valuables from your car, including your spare keys. Also, always use an anti-theft device and park in a well-lit area.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Bhinder Sajan
