A spike in thefts from vehicles has prompted New Westminster Police to urge residents to remove all valuables from their vehicles and lock their car doors.
In the past week, police say they’ve received 39 reports of thefts from vehicles in the city, including 13 from the Sapperton area between Richmond and East Columbia streets and from Hospital Street to East Eighth Avenue.
Three vehicles were also stolen in the area from secure underground parking lots, according to police.
“We want to remind the public to lock their car doors and remove any valuables from their vehicles,” said New Westminster Police Sgt. Jeff Scott. “When you enter a secure underground parking lot, make sure that no one follows you in, and if you notice any suspicious people walking in your parking garage, call the police.”
This isn’t the first such warning police have issued. In December, New Westminster Police Chief Const. Dave Jones met with Queensborough residents about thefts in that neighbourhood, including thefts from vehicles. His advice to residents was to make sure they lock their vehicles and remove all valuables.
Other prevention tips include reporting any suspicious persons to police. This includes people looking into vehicles, people trying door handles or people you don’t recognize walking around your parking garage.
