Vehicle thefts are on the increase across Canada, and a recent spike in such thefts in the South Okanagan and along the Fraser Canyon corridor has prompted RCMP to remind people about the steps they can take to reduce the risk and combat the issue.
含羞草研究社淥ften times, the theft of a vehicle is a crime of opportunity,含羞草研究社� says Cpl. James Grandy, RCMP spokesperson. 含羞草研究社淢aking sure to lock doors and remove valuables from sight can dramatically reduce the chances of becoming a victim. Additionally, not leaving your vehicle running unattended, or 含羞草研究社榟iding含羞草研究社� keys inside the vehicle.含羞草研究社�
Boston Bar RCMP have reported an increase in the number of thefts from vehicles, including catalytic converters, between Yale and Boston Bar.
含羞草研究社淎s the weather is warming up, we含羞草研究社檝e noticed a growing number of visitors exploring Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park and our scenic hiking trails in the Canyon,含羞草研究社� says Cst. Kristi Strauss of the Boston Bar RCMP.
含羞草研究社淎s a reminder, when parking your vehicle, opt for well-lit areas or those with lots of people, and ensure all valuables are removed from your vehicle.含羞草研究社�
A few recent 含羞草研究社渢heft of vehicle含羞草研究社� investigations in the South Okanagan include a company Ford F-150 stolen from a worksite in Okanagan Falls; a Ford F-250 with Washington State licence plates stolen from in front of a business in Osoyoos; a truck, trailer, and boat stolen overnight from a residence in Okanagan Falls; a Chevrolet Avalanche stolen from a residence in Penticton, and a Dodge Ram 2500 pick-up stolen from another residence in Penticton on the same day; and a Ford F-350 that was stolen from a business in Oliver.
含羞草研究社淰ehicle thefts are on the rise in Southern Okanagan communities, and Penticton RCMP含羞草研究社檚 Crime Reduction Unit is proactively targeting known auto crime offenders and high theft areas,含羞草研究社� says Cst. Jesse Byer, Crime Reduction Unit. 含羞草研究社淧lease be vigilant in securing vehicles, taking valuables with you and don含羞草研究社檛 leave keys inside your vehicle.含羞草研究社�
No community is immune from vehicle thefts or thefts from a vehicle. While it is impossible to stop a determined thief, RCMP have some tips that will lessen the chance of you and your vehicle becoming a victim:
- Never leave anything valuable, like keys, wallets, purses, or shopping bags, in your vehicle. Even seemingly worthless items, such as a pair of sunglasses, can be a temptation, so keep them out of sight.
- Remove all cash from plain view. Even some loose change in a cupholder can be an incentive for a thief to break into your vehicle.
- If you must leave bags or valuables in the car, store them in the trunk or cover them up; don含羞草研究社檛 leave them in plain sight.
- Never leave your vehicle running while you run an errand or go into a shop. It takes only seconds for a thief to hop into your car and drive off.
- Park in a well-lit, high visibility area, or in a secure garage when possible. If you park outdoors, and have surveillance cameras on your property, point them so they have a view of your vehicle.
- Close and lock all vehicle windows and doors. Since many thefts from or of vehicles are crimes of opportunity, a thief will usually keep on going to an easier target if they find your vehicle is secure.
- Do not leave your keys in the vehicle.
- Report any suspicious people or activity around vehicles or residences to police.
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