You’ve made a list and checked it twice, and now you’re heading out to do some Christmas shopping, but be aware that holiday Grinches are out to make the season less bright.
On Nov. 28, Kamloops RCMP volunteers hit that city’s retail parking lots, spreading some crime prevention tips they hope will help reduce the spirit of stealing. The Kamloops RCMP Crime Prevention Unit’s “Safe for the Season” campaign kicked off at Aberdeen Mall, and throughout December team members will be focusing their efforts on parking areas and retail locations throughout the city. They will be handing out cards with some simple suggestions to help reduce crime during the holidays, and engage with the public about safe practices to deter thefts this winter.
“By spreading the spirit of crime prevention, we hope to help reduce the time, cost, and emotional toll that being victimized can have on a person, which can be further amplified during a season that promotes the spirit of kindness,” said Cpl. Dana Napier of the Kamloops RCMP Community Safety/Crime Prevention Unit.
Following a few simple best practices can be very effective in reducing the chances of being targeted by a thief, added Sandro Piroddi, coordinator of the Kamloops RCMP Crime Prevention Unit.
“Ultimately, the best practice is to keep parcels out of sight and remove them from your vehicle as soon as possible,” said Piroddi. “Thieves are shopping too, and we want to help the community by sharing some simple tips to help prevent their vehicle from being targeted.”
People who are out holiday shopping at malls and stores often make several stops as they do so, and leave their purchases in their vehicles. You should avoid making multiple trips to your car to drop off purchases, as thieves might be watching. If you’re leaving items in your car, store them where they can’t be seen from outside the vehicle; advice which goes for anything valuable inside your car, such as electronic devices (including smartphones, laptops, tablets, GPS units, satellite radios, and dash cams). You may think nothing of leaving a pair of sunglasses visible in your car, but they can be worth up to $200. Even leaving some loose change in plain sight can tempt a thief.
It should go without saying that you should lock your car, but police report that nearly 50 per cent of thefts from vehicles involve unlocked cars. Many thefts from cars are crimes of opportunity; if a car is locked, all but the most determined thieves will probably move on to an easier target. And treat your car keys like cash: never leave them unattended in a public place.
Park your car in a well-lit place, particularly if you are shopping in the late afternoon or evening, and be alert to suspicious behaviour. If you see someone lingering near vehicles, report it immediately to local police. Try to provide a description of the person and their vehicle, including the licence plate, but do not confront them: your safety comes first.
And while no one likes getting into a cold vehicle, leaving your motor running while you get ready to go out in the morning, or run into a shop to pick something up, is an invitation to car thieves. A Nanaimo man learned this lesson the hard way on Nov. 26, when his vehicle was stolen. He told police he was warming it up and left it unlocked; when he returned, his vehicle was gone, along with some power tools and his wallet. The vehicle, tools, and wallet have not yet been recovered. Police have a saying: “Lock it or lose it.”
And remember: while items that are permanently attached to your vehicle (such as a stereo or speakers) are covered by ICBC Comprehensive or Specialized Perils insurance if they are stolen, personal items (such as shopping) that are left in your car are not covered by your vehicle insurance policy in the event of theft.
