Don’t give your valuables away for free. Let’s be car smart and lock out auto crime

Richmond

2022-04-09 09:06 PDT

As part of lock out auto crime month, Richmond RCMP will be visiting various locations throughout the city in the hopes of making more people car smart to help lock out thieves.

To download a large version click here. Photo of Richmond RCMP volunteers.

We often hear but I was just running in for just a few minutes, says Corporal Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer, unfortunately a few seconds is all it takes for your window to be smashed and that bag, laptop or other personal item to be gone.

In 2021, Richmond RCMP received 1652 reports of thefts from auto. To date in 2022, Richmond RCMP have received 408 reports.

We are working hard to prevent these crimes from happening and with the public’s help we could lock out even more thieves, says Corporal Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer. Whether it’s a door being left unlocked making it an easy target or a window is smashed to grab whatever tempting item has been left inside, thieves will take whatever they can find.

To download a large version click here. Photo of car.

Ways to help make yourself car smart include:

• Not leaving any property in your vehicle. Thieves will break in for as little as a few coins. If you absolutely must leave items in your vehicle, secure them in the trunk;
• Park in secure, well-lit areas. When possible, try to park in areas near pedestrian traffic;
• Always lock your doors and close your windows, even if you’re only away from your vehicle for a minute;
• Never leave your keys unguarded including at a restaurant or gym. Don’t store your spare or valet key in your vehicle.

For more tips on ways to make yourself car smart visit the BC RCMP website.

Released by

Cpl. Adriana O'Malley

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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