A rash of thefts from vehicles has police investigating leads and is leaving the public frustrated.
Powell River RCMP reported receiving approximately 25 complaints of thefts from cars and trucks throughout Westview during the last three weeks of November. The majority of incidents involved vehicles left unlocked and parked overnight in private driveways.
“This is a frustrating crime for both the victims and the police,” said Powell River detachment staff sergeant Rod Wiebe. “We have expended a large amount of resources on these crimes and continue to do so, but they take time to solve.”
Constable Kerri Chard said it is likely many more incidents have not been reported to police, or not noticed because items taken are so small, such as coins left in a cup holder.
It is not the first time the community has seen this kind of activity. Police believe the crimes are drug-related and not specific to the time of year.
Chard said in one of the incidents a homeowner was able to provide police with surveillance footage of a person rummaging through an unlocked car at night. She said police are working to establish that suspect’s identity.
Powell River police have taken a number of steps to address the ongoing problem, including increasing patrols throughout the city and communicating with BC RCMP’s Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team’s bait-car program, but they require the public’s help to catch the culprits, said Chard.
“People might not report suspicious activity while it is occurring because they don’t want to be embarrassed if their suspicions are unfounded,” she added. “Police prefer that you call in suspicious activity right away so it can be investigated. It gives us a better chance to locate suspects and prevent further criminal activity.”
Chard said the public should try to provide a description of any suspects or suspect vehicles, including licence plates if possible.
In the meantime, police have continued to encourage the public to be vigilant about locking their vehicle doors at night.
“Times have changed, thieves are taking advantage of unlocked doors,” she said. “They are not breaking into the cars; they just try the door, it opens and they help themselves.”
Police are requesting anyone who may have information about the recent thefts to come forward, by phone at 604.485.6255 or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers 1.800.222.8477. Tips can be left online at crimestoppers.com
Police are advising the public take precautions to prevent further thefts:
-Lock vehicle doors.
-Do not leave any property in vehicles. Thieves will break in for as little as a few coins or a cigarette lighter.
-Do not leave personal identification unattended in a vehicle.
-Park in open, visible areas.
-If possible, park inside a garage instead of on driveways.
-At night, light up driveways.
