Thefts from motor vehicles are on the rise, and the Kelowna RCMP are again urging the public to take part in preventing crime in their neighbourhood.
Mounties report that theft from vehicle numbers have actually increased this October, to doubleof what happened in October last year, from approximately 140 to 290 reported incidents, said Const. Jesse O’Donaghey.
“This is a level greater than June, July, and August of this year, which is very abnormal as we usually see spikes in the summer. The month of October 2015 represents the highest number of theft from motor vehicle incidents in a month since the end of 2012,” he said.
Insecure motor vehicles in residential neighbourhoods are very tempting targets for thieves, criminals will often travel into these areas knowing that they are a target rich environment. Purses, wallets, cell phones, iPads, laptop computers and other electronic devices are popular items taken by thieves, subsequently credit and debit card frauds are sometimes later committed.
“Police are urging the public to remove any valuables and properly secure your vehicles, doing so will minimize the risk of any theft. It’s one of the easiest ways for residents to participate in preventing crime in their neighbourhood,” said O’Donaghey.
“Kelowna RCMP will continue to target prolific offenders and known auto-thieves in our community but are asking for the cooperation of vehicle owners to take action.”
If you see any suspicious activity you should contact the Kelowna RCMP, your local police detachment, or 911 if it’s an emergency.
