The Sidney North Saanich RCMP warn residents to be vigilant when returning home to underground parking lots after a spike in thefts from vehicles.
This week saw a dramatic shift in the approach of thieves on the Peninsula, said Const. Meighan de Pass.
Nine thefts from vehicles were reported in five days in the Sidney area. Four incidents involved an underground parkade, and five included the ‘punching’ of locks.
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“We have seen a change in the method of these crimes and need to make the public aware,” said de Pass, crime prevention officer. “Recently, the vehicles targeted have been in secure underground parking lots so we are asking residents to take a moment when returning home to ensure no one enters their parkades behind them. Wait for the gate to close, and don’t let any vehicles or pedestrians enter behind you.”
In one instance, thieves also broke into condo resident storage. Items stolen include personal identification documents, security passes for locations of employment, electronics, binoculars and wallets. Luckily, the frontline RCMP members were able to recover some items nearby and are in the process of returning them to their owner.
All of these thefts have occurred in the downtown residential core of Sidney.
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This year, all previous thefts from vehicles in the area were from unlocked vehicles. Police are concerned over the higher level of risk and recklessness. They ask anyone who sees someone or something suspicious to call the Sidney North Saanich RCMP at 250-656-3931.
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