There's been a number of auto theft attempts in the Portage la Prairie area recently, the RCMP reports.

In a recent release, police reported five incidents of auto theft attempts between Nov. 28 and Dec. 4. Two occurred on Nov. 28 on Dufferin Ave. W and St. George Ave. Police say the other attempts happened in the city's north end on Dec. 4, when three calls came-in. Suspects weren't successful in lifting cars in those reported incidents. On Nov. 30, police say a truck was stolen from a residence on 8th St. NW.

RCMP community liaison officer Const. Sean O'Keefe says there's been 23 reported incidents of attempted, or successful, motor vehicle thefts in the Portage area in the past month. Of the 23 incidents, eight vehicles were stolen, 11 were attempted and four were unfounded claims -- where investigation determined the vehicle was not actually stolen.

One instance led to a Winnipeg man and Brandon man being charged with theft of a motor vehicle.

O'Keefe says, in regards to the attempted thefts, police are trying to look for patterns that might come as a result of the attempts being made.

"The only thing that we can see is, it doesn't matter where your vehicle is in town or in the RM, it's a type of vehicle the suspects may be targeting," O'Keefe explains. "Which is older model General Motors trucks: Chevrolet or GMC."

O'Keefe says suspects tend to target older model vehicles because they aren't equipped with modern security systems, and are easier to boost. "Older vehicles are easier to target and damage with simple tools, as opposed to trying to defeat security systems in newer vehicles," he says.

To help prevent auto theft, O'Keefe encourages vehicle owners to always make sure their car is locked, never leave the keys inside the vehicle and try to park in a well-lit area where you can easily hear or see your car. Any vehicles in storage, especially off-road vehicles, should have the battery disconnected and removed, he adds.

"Simple investments in home security, home lighting, cameras and car alarms are also worth their weight in gold," says O'Keefe.

O'Keefe adds, Portage la Prairie RCMP are always on the lookout for stolen vehicles. He reminds you to never confront anyone you suspect is attempting to steal your vehicle, but call police immediately, and try to obtain a good description of the suspect.

"There's not one piece of property on the planet that's worth your personal safety or life," Const. O'Keefe adds. "Call police, give an accurate description of suspects, and we can try to track these people down."