Central Saanich Police reminding people to lock their vehicles after an uptick in reports of thefts from unlocked ones.
We have received several reports of thefts from unlocked vehicles today.
— CS Police Service (@cspoliceservice) October 19, 2018
Remember to lock the doors and leave nothing of value inside your car to prevent theft.
If you see any suspicious person or activity near a vehicle, call us immediately.
In a Facebook post, Central Saanich Police said thieves look for easy targets like unlocked vehicles.
RELATED: Surge of vehicle thefts in Sidney, North Saanich
They are also asking people to lock their doors and leave no valuables in cars.
This follows an Oct. 12 report from Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, who said they have been receiving daily reports of vehicles being rummaged through, with IDs, wallets and bank cards being taken. The area has seen “a disproportionate number of theft of/from autos that began in September 2018,” with at least 35 thefts from cars and five car thefts since then.
In an interview, Sidney/North Saanich RCMP Cpl. Chris Manseau said the thefts are likely connected.
“It’s a target-rich environment out there and people aren’t learning their lesson,” said Manseau. He said he was not trying to victim-shame people, but if valuables are in sight and cars are unlocked, they will be targets.
Sgt. Andy Duke from Central Saanich Police said thieves entered six vehicles in the last two nights, though the number might increase today as reports come in. One vehicle was also stolen. Thieves were mainly targeting cars in private driveways in the Brentwood and Saanichton areas, he said. Like Manseau, Duke reminded residents to lock vehicles, not to leave items of value on display, and not to leave items in vehicles overnight.
If residents see suspicious activities or people near a vehicle, they are asked to call police.
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