RCMP are warning drivers to secure their vehicles, as they note an increase in auto theft throughout the West Shore. 

West Shore RCMP report they had received 22 reports of vehicle theft between Jan. 1 and Feb. 25. The same time period in 2024 saw only eight reports of vehicle theft. 

Of the 22 vehicles reported stolen, RCMP say nine were pickup trucks, Cpl. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP's media relations officer, said pickup trucks and some other vehicles made before 2007 are often easier to steal, as they lack security measures standard in many newer cars. 

RCMP are unable to report how many of the stolen vehicles had been recovered. 

"The best thing you can do is use a steering wheel lock or electronic engine immobilizer," said Saggar, adding police are investigating the thefts and looking for connections to establish a reason for the uptick in thefts. 

"While police are working hard to investigate these vehicle thefts, there are protective measures vehicle owners can take to mitigate the chances of their vehicles being stolen," Saggar said in the release. 

Among purchasing a steering wheel lock or an engine immobilizer, RCMP remind drivers to always keep track of their keys and not leave them unattended, to park vehicles in secure well-lit areas, to make sure garage doors and gates are secure, to remove garage door openers from vehicles and to keep valuables out of sight when parking your vehicle. 

Drivers can find more information on keeping their vehicles safe on the ICBC .