Increased Vehicle Thefts in Yellowknife Prompt Police Advisory

Authorities in Yellowknife have issued a public advisory following an increase in vehicle theft incidents across the city. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued a statement on Tuesday urging residents to take preventative measures to safeguard their vehicles from theft.

“Officers routinely respond to reports of residents having their vehicles rummaged through across all areas of the city and many of these instances could be preventable,” the release stated. The advisory highlights the importance of not leaving valuable items such as purses, wallets, phones, and other electronics inside vehicles.

The police further emphasized the necessity of ensuring vehicles are locked at all times and advised residents against leaving cars running with keys inside, even for a short duration. “This makes vehicle theft only too easy to carry out,” the statement warned.

Although car thefts have been historically rare in Yellowknife, recent incidents suggest a growing concern. Theft in this region is particularly challenging as any stolen vehicle must travel over 350 kilometers on a single road to reach the primary intersections leading to Southern Canada, with multiple RCMP detachments stationed along the way.

On Monday evening, a vehicle was reportedly stolen from a local resident’s driveway. Thanks to tracking technology installed in the vehicle, the owner was able to inform police of its location after it left the city. This led to the recovery of the car by officers from the Hay River detachment in Enterprise. Two suspects were apprehended and later released on conditions; they are expected to appear in court, though no charges have been detailed publicly at this time.

During the vehicle search, a replica handgun was discovered, and an investigation is ongoing. Authorities have asked anyone with additional information to contact Yellowknife RCMP or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.