Police are going on the offensive after seeing a spike in vehicle-related property crime in two of the city’s neighbourhoods.
In January, 21 vehicles were reported stolen in New Westminster. Of the 21 vehicles stolen, 60 per cent were reportedly from the Brow of the Hill neighbourhood, according to a media release from the New Westminster Police Department.
Also last month, 40 per cent of the 66 reported thefts from vehicles across New Westminster were Downtown – a notable spike, according to police.
While, overall these numbers indicate a drop in vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles across New Westminster it does indicate an “unacceptable” concentration in the two neighbourhoods, Chief Const. Dave Jones said in the release.
“While the results of our members’ hard work is evident in the substantial drop in these types of crimes in the city as a whole, the concentration of vehicle-related crime in these two areas is unacceptable,” Jones said. “We will continue to target those individuals responsible.”
The department will continue its efforts to reduce vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles in the coming months by increasing surveillance of known auto theft suspects in the area; processing stolen vehicles for fingerprints and DNA; checking in with prolific offenders to ensure they’re complying with any court-ordered conditions; and liaising with the provincial auto theft unit to increase enforcement in the city.
Residents are also asked to do their part in preventing cars or property inside of cars from being stolen, the release stated.
“The public has the ability to play a major role in reducing auto related crime by being proactive and taking preventative measures,” Sgt. Chad Johnston said in the release.
The following is a list of tips for protecting vehicles from theft, courtesy of ICBC:
– Use an anti-theft device or electronic immobilizer;
– Steering wheel locks provide a good visual deterrent;
– Park your vehicle in well-lit areas, near pedestrian traffic, if possible;
– Don’t keep anything in your vehicle, including shopping bags, spare change, electronics and brief cases;
– Don’t keep spare keys or valet keys in your vehicle;
– Keep your garage door opener out of sight or take it inside with you;
– Wait for the garage gate to close behind you so thieves don’t a have a chance to get in the parkade.
According to the department’s crime analysts, Honda Accords and Civics made between 1990 and 2000 appear to be the most common targets of car thieves in New Westminster, but all car owners should take precautions to prevent theft.
