Fewer automobiles are being targeted by crooks, but residents shouldn’t get complacent.
Police officers are urging the public to be vigilant in protecting their vehicles and content inside.
“A lot of people don’t lock their vehicles and leave things visible,” said Gord Molendyk, RCMP spokesperson.
“Criminals are opportunists and if they can sell something for their fix, they will.”
In Vernon, the Insurance Corporation of B.C. reports there were 110 vehicle thefts in 2011, a 16 per cent reduction from 130 incidents in 2010.
There has been a 64 per cent decrease from 310 thefts in 2003, the year the bait car program started in Vernon.
“The bait car has been a deterrent as it has worked in our community in targeting repeat offenders,” said Molendyk.
“There is also greater public awareness.”
Molendyk says many residents are securing their vehicle by using a club or an electronic mobilizer and new vehicle designs reduce the chance of theft.
As for thefts from vehicles, ICBC states there were 100 incidents in Vernon in 2011, a one per cent drop from 2010.
However, the RCMP’s figures show 628 thefts from vehicles last year and 590 in 2010.
Molendyk says the difference is a result of ICBC covering insurance claims for parts of a vehicle like tires and tailgates but not items inside like a camera or a jacket. The RCMP’s statistics include physical parts of the vehicle and personal items inside.
“It happens all over,” said Molendyk of vehicle break-ins.
“People will go hiking at Kal Park or go to the beach and their vehicle is broken into.”
Molendyk admits that 628 thefts in 2011 is considerable, but the RCMP are on top of the matter.
“It’s a high number but it’s less than two a day. Let’s keep a little perspective,” he said.
