The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) is reporting what it says is an unprecedented number of Honda passenger vehicles being stolen in the city since July 1.
Const. Ian MacDonald said of the 102 passenger vehicles stolen in Abbotsford from July 1 to Sept. 2, 24 have been Hondas. This represents almost 24 per cent of all the vehicles stolen in Abbotsford during that time.
"These are unprecedented numbers and percentages," MacDonald said.
In the previous 64-day period, only two Honda passenger vehicles were stolen.
There were 37 such vehicles stolen in all of 2013, but so far in 2014, a total of 41 Hondas have been swiped, MacDonald said. This represents an increase of 32 per cent.
MacDonald said the majority of stolen Hondas are pre-2004 models, before immobilizers and anti-theft devices were commonly built into vehicles.
He said thefts have occurred across Abbotsford, but in the last two weeks have been concentrated in an area between Marshall Road and South Fraser Way and between Gladwin and Clearbrook.
Some of the Hondas stolen from Abbotsford have been recovered in other communities and most likely were used in the commission of other offences, MacDonald said.
He said the crime spike could indicate that a particular person – or people – who is proficient with stealing Hondas has recently begun living in, or frequenting, the community.
A crime spike can occur, for example, when an offender has been released from prison.
MacDonald said police have stepped up enforcement in the targeted areas and have added extra monitoring by the Abbotsford Citizens' Patrol and reserve constables.
Officers have also been approaching Honda owners to inform them of the spree and to inform them that the APD is offering free anti-theft devices to Abbotsford registered owners of pre-2004 Hondas.
Those interested can drop by the community policing office at #105 34194 Marshall Rd. with their registration documents.
Anyone with information about auto theft is asked to contact the APD at 604-859-5225, text 222973 (abbypd) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.