Community Policing Office remind residents about summertime theft

MERRITT – The Merritt Community Policing Office is reminding residents about property crime and vehicle theft.

“When there’s warmer weather, there’s definitely more people moving around,” said Marlene Jones, Community Policing Office Coordinator.

As the sun is out and the mercury is rising, more and more people are out moving around which increases the opportunity for theft in the community.

“Property crime is a crime of opportunity,” said Jones. “We just want to make sure people are remembering to lock your sheds, lock your vehicles, remove any valuables from sight, because if you remove that opportunity you can make a real difference.”

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) release a list of common things stolen from a vehicle and they include: work tools, credit cards, identification, and stereo equipment, but Jones added another to be careful of.

“One big thing is that cell phone that all of us carry. Some people just toss that onto the dash and walk off and get busy with life and that can be something that is seen as valuable. Please lock your vehicle before you walk away.”

A couple of other tips Jones provided include: keeping garage door openers out of sight, along with parking in well lit high traffic areas.

“Theft from a vehicle is one thing, but theft of vehicles is another, so we really encourage people, if you can, to have a vehicle with an immobilizer,” added Jones.

For more information and tips, reach out to the Community Policing Office at 250-378-3955.