Vancouver police are sharing tips for how to avoid becoming a victim of theft this holiday season.
‘Tis the season for shopping… and stealing.
The Vancouver Police Department is reminding the public to be cautious this holiday season and sharing tips on how to help prevent vehicle break-ins.
“It’s a busy time of year for shopping, but also for thieves,” department spokesman Sgt. Jason Robillard said in a press release. “It only takes a second for a thief to break into your vehicle and steal your valuables.”
Between January and October, the department received 10,018 reports of theft-from-auto across the city. In 2016, there were a total of 12,340, a significant increase over 2015, which saw 10,181.
The department shared a number of tips to reduce your risk of becoming a victim:
- Lock items in the trunk
- Do not leave any possessions visible in your car
- Try not to make multiple trips to your car to drop off shopping
- Disable the trunk latch so it cannot be opened from inside the car
- Report suspicious people to police
The department is also warning online shoppers not to tempt thieves by leaving delivered parcels unattended.
The convenience of shopping online and having parcels shipped to your door has created new opportunities for crooks. The department has received reports of thieves stealing packages left at people’s front doors by delivery companies.
“Thieves are opportunists and will steal anything,” Const. Jason Doucette said in a press release. “We are reminding online shoppers to think ahead to the delivery date. If you’re not going to be home to receive the parcel, steps should be taken so package aren’t left unattended for any length of time.”
Police recommend using an alternate shipping address where a package can be received, such as at work or at the home of a friend or neighbour, if possible request a signature upon delivery or having the item held for pickup, and educate yourself on the retailers’ delivery policy.
“Property crime is preventable and the VPD asks that citizens report suspicious behaviour to police immediately,” Doucette said. “Anyone who is a victim of theft should follow up with the delivery company and make a report with their local police.”
The department has a number of other seasonal safety tips on its website here.
jkerr@vancourier.com
