Vancouver auto theft up 42 per cent from last year

It looks like auto theft has substantially increased in Vancouver.

The Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) monthly crime report shows that as of Sept. 1., vehicle theft is up 42 per cent over the same time last year.

While these car thefts happen all over the city, there are just more targets for thieves in the downtown core, which has seen the most reports of the crime.

READ MORE: Police report major increase in property crime this year

“We believe drug addiction and chronic offenders continue to play a big role in these numbers,” VPD Const. Jason Doucette told Global News, Thursday.

“There are typically a relatively small number of people committing the majority of the offences.”

For those curious about crimes in their area, the VPD offers an interactive tool that is used for tracking crime.

To help your chances of avoiding your car being broken into, police say to make your vehicle less desirable to would-be thieves. Lock your items in your trunk and don’t leave them visible. Police also advise that if thieves can see it, they’ll steal it, regardless of value.