Would you leave money lying on the seat of your car?
While the question may sound ridiculous, police say leaving your keys in your car is just as reckless considering auto crime is on the rise in B.C. for the first time in a decade.
Police statistics show a 31 per cent increase in vehicle thefts and a 17 per cent increase in car break-ins in 2014 compared to 2013.
Today the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT) along with the Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton, launched an annual campaign to reduce auto crime.
“The problem is that some owners are leaving their smart keys in their vehicles,” Anton says.
“And these are high-end vehicles we’re talking about with modern technology built in to protect them. But the technology only works if you treat your keys like cash and you don’t leave it in the vehicle.”
Police say thieves are looking for any opportunity to steal or break into your vehicle.
“We’re looking into reasons why there has been an increase last year but no factors such as suspects rotating vehicles more frequently; criminals using vehicles as transportation for other offenses and the prevalence of a core group of prolific auto thieves are key factors,” says IMPACT Insp. Peter Jadis.
Some of the most stolen vehicles in B.C. include the Honda Civic, CRX and Accord, Ford 350, Acura Integra, Ford F150XLT, Ford F250 Supercab, Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee, Toyota Corolla and Camry.
According to IMPACT thieves are particularly partial to stealing items like smartphones, personal electronics, work tools, credit cards and identification, stereo equipment, cash, car parts, garage door openers, sunglasses and keys from vehicles.
There are ways to safeguard yourself from these types of thefts.
Police encourages the use of electronic immobilizers; steering wheel locks; keeping your keys in a safe place at all times; always locking your doors and closing windows; removing any electronics or valuables and lastly, do not store you spare or valet key in your vehicle.
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