Calgary Christmas Spirit Derailed: Beloved Integra Stolen, Found in Ditch

A Grinch-worthy act has left a Calgary family heartbroken just days before Christmas, as their distinctive 1994 white Honda Integra, complete with a black hood and a towering Christmas tree strapped to its roof, was swiped from their doorstep. This isn't just a car; it's a piece of their holiday, and they're pleading for its return. Last seen yesterday morning in a ditch on McKnight and 47th St, the vehicle's unique appearance means it should stick out like a sore thumb in our city. The Calgary Police Service is on the case, with file number 25554364 now open. Losing your wheels, especially during the busiest season, is a major disruption to daily life, from grocery runs to holiday visits.

Beyond the emotional blow, dealing with a stolen vehicle can quickly become a bureaucratic nightmare for any Calgarian. Reporting a theft to the Calgary Police Service, whether through their non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or via their online portal for certain crimes like attempted vehicle theft, is the first critical step. Our city's police are the frontline against these crimes, which fall under the Criminal Code of Canada, carrying significant penalties for thieves, with a maximum of 10 years in prison for an indictable offence. For the owner, this means navigating police reports – which, ironically, come with a $45 fee for 'Stolen & Recovered Vehicles' reports from CPS – all while hoping their beloved 'baby' is found intact. It completely upends daily routines and can leave you scrambling for alternative transportation during a time when everyone needs to be on the go.

Why Recovery Can Still Sting

While the hope of recovery burns bright, many Calgarians face a harsh reality: getting your vehicle back can still come with a hefty price tag. Local policy dictates that if a stolen vehicle is recovered and impounded by the Calgary Police Service, the owner is on the hook for impound fees. We've heard residents, like Francois Pigeon, express their frustration, stating, "I'm a victim of a crime… that's not justice — that's the city profiting off its citizens' misfortune." Imagine the relief of finding your car, only to be hit with over $450 in towing and storage fees, as one Calgary man experienced. While insurance might offer some relief, it's an added financial stressor that victims shouldn't have to bear, further impacting their wallets during an already expensive time of year.

So, what's a Calgarian to do? The City of Calgary provides crucial advice to prevent auto theft, urging us to lock vehicle doors and never leave spare keys inside – simple steps that can make a big difference. If you spot this distinct Integra, with its black hood and festive, if forlorn, Christmas tree, or have any information, please contact the CPS. Every Calgarian plays a role in keeping our community safe. You can also search for reported stolen vehicles using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database, empowering citizens to be part of the solution. Let's help bring this unique ride home for Christmas and make sure fewer Calgarians face this holiday heartache.