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RCMP in Coquitlam are reminding the public that car thieves will steal just about anything, from a pack of gum, to a pair of underwear, even a bible.
While they seem like harmless items to leave behind, Coquitlam RCMP said in 2015, all three items were reported stolen from a vehicle break-in.
According to RCMP, after a steady decline in thefts thanks to law enforcement initiatives like the Bait Car program, and legislation requiring new vehicles to be equipped with immobilizers, theft of vehicles is back on the rise.
Criminals often look for vehicles in “target-rich environments,” like neighborhoods or parking lots, and will look for vehicles that have valuables left in them or that have been left unlocked.
“In 2015, we saw a rise in reported break-ins to vehicles compared to 2014,” said Coquitlam RCMP Cst. Jamie Phillipson.
“It’s time to start making it harder for thieves by getting into the habit of removing everything from your vehicle.”
RCMP are reminding the public to ensure all doors and windows are rolled up and locked and to never leave anything valuable in your car, even if it is locked in a truck or glove box. Anything left out in the open can make a vehicle a target, so it is best not to leave anything in sight.
More information on car theft and how to prevent it can be found through the RCMP website.
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