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December 13, 2017 - 11:56 AM
VERNON - Protect your car and any merchandise inside because thieves are looking to score free gifts this season.
The holiday season is a busy time of year so the Vernon Crime Prevention unit and the RCMP are taking the time to remind the public to secure your vehicles and belongings.
While you are in the mall shopping for that perfect gift, a thief could be breaking into your car for the tempting packages or belongings that may be on display, says Vernon North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett in a release issued today, Dec. 13.
To combat thieves, Vernon RCMP volunteers are walking through parking lots in the city checking to make sure vehicles are secure.
To remind people of the necessity for minimizing the risk of someone breaking into your vehicle, prevention infractions called crime prevention notices will be issued to vehicles that are seen not secure or with visible items in them.
"There is nothing punitive about the notices, it is simply to promote the prevention and raise awareness of thefts from vehicles," says Regan Borisenko, the City of Vernon Crime Prevention Coordinator.
Damage to your car could outweigh the value of what was stolen but something as insignificant as small change may lure a thief. Having something stolen from your car is preventable because it is a crime of opportunity.
"Ensuring that your vehicles are securely locked and not leaving valuables in the vehicle will deter thefts from occurring," says Borisenko. "If you must leave valuables in the vehicle, securing them in the trunk or in a non-visible spot is your best option."
People who have reported their car was broken into have reported to the RCMP that their doors weren't locked and valuables were left in plain sight.
"In the event of a theft from auto where valuables, personal identification or credit cards have been stolen, please contact your local RCMP detachment and notify your financial institutions," says Brett.
If you see any suspicious persons or activities near a vehicle, call the police immediately. Let the police determine if it’s a crime in progress.
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