
Don't let burglars sneak in to your parkade
North Vancouver
2022-02-28 13:33 PST
As Spring approaches and the weather improves, we're taking this opportunity to remind the public to watch for one common method thieves use to get into apartment parkades.
"It's not uncommon for a thief to wait outside a parkade until someone enters or exits, and then uses the opportunity to quickly enter while the garage door is still up," said Sgt. Peter DeVries of the north Vancouver RCMP. "Be vigilant. Notice who may be lingering outside your building parkade. And always wait until the door fully closes before continuing on your way. And if you see anything suspicious, call 9-1-1."
Thieves often enter parkades with the intent of committing thefts from vehicles. The relatively secluded location is well hidden from view, said DeVries, while offering a large number of target vehicles in one place.
"It's also a common method used by thieves to access storage units where they tend to steal bicycles and other valuables from storage areas commonly located within parkade areas," said DeVries. DeVries advises residents to check on their belongings at least once per month.
(RCMP file photo - click here for higher resolution image)
According to statistics gathered by ICBC, the following items are the most popular of those stolen from inside vehicles:
- Smartphones
- Personal electronics—tablets, laptops, iPods, GPS
- Work tools
- Credit cards and identification
- Stereo equipment
- Cash and change
- Car parts and accessories
- Garage door openers
- Sunglasses
- Keys
Don’t give thieves the chance:
- Treat your keys like cash. Never leave your keys unguarded, such as at the gym or at the office.
- Park in secure, well-lit areas. Always lock your doors and close the windows, even if you’re only away from your vehicle for a few minutes. When possible, try to park in areas near pedestrian traffic.
- Remove valuables from your vehicle. Shopping bags, tools, spare change, electronics, and brief cases can all tempt a thief. If it can be stolen, put it in the trunk.
- Wait for garage door gates to close behind you. Don't give thieves a chance to sneak in to a parkade.
- Keep your garage door opener out of sight. Store your garage door remote in a glove box or other concealed place, or take it with you.
- Use an electronic engine immobilizer or steering wheel lock. Additional anti-theft devices can help secure your vehicle, particularly if it was manufactured before 2007.
- Don’t store a spare key in your vehicle. Keep your spare key or valet at home or on your person.
Released by
Sgt. Peter DeVries
Media Relations OfficerNorth Vancouver RCMP
nvan.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)
147 East 14th St, North Van., BC, V7L 2N4
Office: 604-969-7561
Cell: 604-363-5584
Fax: 604-969-7587
Email: peter.devries@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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