As the holiday season approaches, and people prepare to give at Christmas, the RCMP reminds folks to protect their property from being stolen, whether it’s in your home or in your vehicle.
The festive season presents thieves with a greater opportunity to target holiday shoppers as they buy gifts for family and friends, often leaving them unguarded in their vehicle while they shop.
“Along with our officers patrolling during the season, we encourage neighbours to watch out for neighbours and report suspicious activity to police,” says Corporal Mike Rail, spokesperson for the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment.
“Community working together with police is a powerful means to keep our neighbourhoods safe.”
Some helpful tips to protect your property from theft include always locking vehicle doors; not leaving valuables in plain view inside your vehicle; removing valuables and your remote garage door opener from your vehicle when it’s parked for the night; and lighting up your home at night.
If you’re shopping at the mall, be careful about making too many trips to stow purchases in your vehicle. Would-be thieves are often on the lookout for this behaviour as a tip-off about which vehicles are most worth their while to target.
If you’re planning on travelling during the holiday season, have someone check your home daily. Do not let newspapers or flyers accumulate outside your front door, and consider a timer so that lights go on and off at appropriate times.
If you’re at home over the holidays, don’t place presents where they can clearly be seen from outside. Are you expecting a parcel delivery? Don’t leave a note on your door saying you’re not home, as this is an invitation to thieves.
If you know you won’t be at home to receive a delivery, don’t let it sit outside and be a target; arrange to have it delivered to a neighbour or to your place of employment.
For more tips to protect your property from theft, go to the B.C. RCMP’s seasonal tips page (http://bit.ly/2BZOSNQ).
The RCMP remind everyone who witnesses anything they believe to be suspicious in nature to contact their local detachment or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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