Car battery thefts on Annacis Island have decreased by 71 per cent since Delta police implemented a crime prevention strategy that included a Battery Decal Project.
According to a release, Delta police started implementing the strategy after seeing an increase in the number of battery thefts on the island in August 2018.
The strategy combined outreach, education and prevention, as well as enforcement.
READ MORE: Crime down on Delta’s Annacis Island after more patrols and local engagement
“With support of the local business owners, we implemented a Battery Decal Project, where commercial vehicle batteries are tagged with decals indicating that they are not approved to be sold for money,” said spokesperson Cris Leykauf.
“Next, we educated local pawn shops and recycling depots that if they see this decal on a battery, it means the battery is stolen. So those shops and depots have been instructed to report this to police, and not purchase the battery from the thief.”
Leykauf said signs put up in pawn shops and recycling depots also reinforced the message.
In addition to the Battery Decal Project, the release said increased police patrols as well as volunteer hours on the island contributed to a 39 per cent reduction in overall crime.
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However, the release said, thefts of catalytic converters are still high.
The converters are exhaust emission control devices that reduce toxic gases and pollutants.
“North Delta businesses are being encouraged to register for the North Delta Business Watch Program,” the release said.
To register, visit the Delta police website at deltapolice.ca/patrol/dcpo/business-watch-program, or visit their office at 11906 80 Ave.
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