Thefts from vehicles on rise in Kelowna; RCMP asking you to protect your property | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kelowna News

Thefts from vehicles on rise in Kelowna; RCMP asking you to protect your property

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

KELOWNA - For the Kelowna RCMP the huge jump in vehicle break-ins last month is mostly a crime prevention issue.

According to an RCMP report, there were more than twice as many thefts from vehicles in the city in October than during the same month last year. The number jumped to 290 in October 2015 from 140 in October 2014.

RCMP say more vehicles were broken into last month than during the summer months when officers usually see a spike in the numbers. There haven’t been as many vehicle break-ins in a single month since the end of 2012.

"Police are urging the public to remove any valuables and properly secure your vehicles, doing so will minimize the risk of any theft,” Const. Jesse O’Donaghey said at a media conference today, Nov. 13. “It’s one of the easiest ways for residents to participate in preventing crime in their neighbourhood."

O’Donaghey said unlocked vehicles in residential neighbourhoods are very tempting targets for thieves. He said criminals know they are 'target rich' environments.

Thieves are looking for purses, wallets, cell phones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices. The criminals can often use the information gathered from the stolen items to commit credit and debit card frauds.

While crime prevention is an important part of the fight against the thieves, the local police are also taking action.

“Kelowna RCMP will continue to target prolific offenders and known auto thieves in our community," O’Donaghey said, adding any suspicious activity should be reported to your local police detachment.

Theft from vehicle map
Theft from vehicle map
Image Credit: RCMP handout

To contact a reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander at halexander@infonews.ca. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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