With the holidays approaching, efforts are being stepped up to reduce theft from cars and the first step is awareness for owners.
Lock Out Auto Crime is a long-running program in cooperation between police departments and the Insurance Corporation of BC. It’s designed to raise awareness and reduce theft from vehicles by promoting steps people can take to safeguard their cars from theft and vandalism.
“The holiday season traditionally has an increase of thefts from vehicles,” stated constable Tim Kenning in a media release. “Auto theft is a crime of opportunity that is preventable.”
Something as minimal and insignificant as pocket change may lure a potential thief, he added.
Community policing volunteers, wearing high visibility vests and holding what look like receipt books, are walking Powell River’s public parking lots taking note of any possible items that could attract criminals.
“You come back from shopping and throw your stuff in the backseat and now it’s visible,” said Christine Konopelski, a long-time community police volunteer. “It’s common sense, but a lot of people don’t think about it because they think we’re in Powell River and assume it’s safe.”
Volunteers are checking to see if car doors are locked and if insurance decals on license plates are up to date.
Last year in Westview there was a rash of thefts from unlocked vehicles parked in residential driveways. Konopelski said more awareness of the the issue could help prevent this kind of theft.
“A lot of people think we’re leaving tickets and do get upset,” said Konopelski, “but once they come up to us and we talk, then they understand.”
The tickets are simply notices, stated Kenning, and “are entirely educational with no associated penalties or fines.”
