Rick Stiebel/B次元官网网址 Gazette staff
Reports of vehicle theft and attempted theft of vehicles on the West Shore have doubled, compared to the same time frame last year.
The 23 thefts of vehicles and 13 attempted thefts between Jan. 1 and April 30 of this year marks a significant increase, said West Shore RCMP Cpl. Bob Pilot. In seven instances keys were used, and 14 of the 36 vehicles targeted had alarms, immobilizers or the doors were locked, noted Pilot, who works with the detachmentB次元官网网址檚 Crime Reduction Unit. Honda and Ford products were the most sought by thieves, he added.
B次元官网网址淲e are requesting the publicB次元官网网址檚 assistance in helping us solve these crimes because we know that there are people in the community who are responsible for those crimes,B次元官网网址� Pilot said. B次元官网网址淲e need people to come forward and help us target the small group of individuals who are responsible for the majority of our crimes.B次元官网网址�
The public can also play a role in crime reduction by following tips and best practices that can prevent the theft of vehicles, or theft from vehicles, Pilot said.
Invest in a good anti-theft device, preferably a passive immobilizer, and use a steering wheel lock. Secure your license plates with bolts to avoid having them stolen and never leave spare keys in your vehicle. Do not set the B次元官网网址淗omeB次元官网网址� function on your GPS to your home address. Use a nearby intersection instead, Pilot suggested.
If you have secured parking, always wait until the automatic gate has closed, and never leave your garage door opener in your vehicle. Park in open, visible areas and ensure your driveway is well lit.
B次元官网网址淒o not leave any property in your vehicle or expect to find it missing when you return,B次元官网网址� Pilot said. B次元官网网址淭hieves will break in for as little as a few coins or a cigarette lighter. If you must leave items in your car, secure them in the trunk because thieves routinely check the glove box and under the seats.B次元官网网址�
Typically, items stolen from vehicles include house keys, wallets, purses, credit cards, GPS units, passports, cash, clothing and sunglasses.
Pilot stressed that you should never leave personal identification in a vehicle such as a driverB次元官网网址檚 license, financial documents or credit and debit information that reveal your identity because it can lead to identity theft. B次元官网网址淥ften, thieves take only ID and credit cards from wallets or purses because the owner may not realize they are missing until much later,B次元官网网址� Pilot explained. B次元官网网址淵ou should also record the serial number of all of your valuable items.B次元官网网址�
Pilot wants to remind people to always report any suspicious activity to the RCMP at 250-474-2264. If you have any information on auto theft, you can anonymously contact Crime Stoppers as well at 1-800-222-8477.
