This past month, thefts from auto have trended upwards so we’re taking this opportunity to remind North Vancouver residents to remove all valuables from your vehicle, and lock it up any time you park it.
Anyone who’s been a victim of auto crime knows that although a smashed window is an unwanted inconvenience, knowing someone has rifled through your belongings can feel like a personal violation.
“We are surprised by the things people will leave in their vehicle,” said Sgt. Peter DeVries of the North Vancouver RCMP.
“Often, valuable items such as laptops, iPads and even wallets are left in plain view.”
Such temptations are exactly what would-be thieves are hoping to find when they peer inside your vehicle windows, or rifle through your centre console said DeVries. “We also see people who have left a set of spare keys in the centre console, which is a very easy way to get your car stolen,” he said.
“These are almost always crimes of opportunity.”
“A thief will walk down a dark residential street trying the door handle of every car looking for an easy way to search for valuables.”
When temptations such as valuable electronics are left in plain view, there is usually little hesitation to smash a window and make off with items that can be pawned for quick cash.
Tools are also a valuable item often stolen by thieves, said DeVries. “It can be devastating for a tradesperson to lose their tools. Sometimes, the value of these types of thefts can exceed $5000.”
