Thefts from cars are surging in New Westminster, and police are reminding residents to lock their vehicles and hide all valuables when parking.
According to a press release, the police department's criminal intelligence unit has noted a rise in thefts from vehicles, particularly in New Westminster's Sapperton area. Most of the thefts are of "small, easy to conceal items, such as GPS units and iPods in plain view."
Police are urging residents to hide or remove these items from their vehicles.
"These items are magnets for thieves, who can quickly enter a vehicle and easily transport these items to where they will be resold for small amounts of cash or traded for drugs," the release stated.
The best way to protect your vehicle, according to the release, is to use an anti-theft device, park in well lit areas and near pedestrian traffic, and remove all valuables from the vehicle.
For a list of the top 10 items stolen from cars, visit www.nwpolice.org.
