Coquitlam RCMP are once again reminding drivers to remove all valuables from their vehicles after reporting 20 thefts in a 24-hour period Wednesday.
Photograph by: NOW , file
We've all heard the warnings - if thieves can see it in your car, they'll try and steal it.
And in the case of one Tri-Cities crook, the lure of cat food was too much.
Coquitlam RCMP are once again reminding drivers to remove all valuables from their vehicles after reporting 20 thefts in a 24-hour period Wednesday.
The thefts were reported all across Coquitlam and PoCo, with a few in residential areas, but the majority took place at commercial and industrial parking lots.
"The best thing to do is not leave anything visible in your car," said RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung.
Some of the items stolen in the 24-hour period included a laptop, insurance papers and the cat food.
In one case, an expensive Prada wallet was lifted from a vehicle.
"That's going to be painful," Chung said, adding drivers also continue to leave their wallets and cellphones in their cars.
The RCMP sent out this tweet Thursday morning: "20 veh break-ins in the last 24hrs. Items stolen incl: wallets, cellphones, laptops & CATFOOD. #LockItOrLoseIt."
Investigators aren't sure if any of the break-ins are related, but police urge victims to report the crime.
Chung said despite popular belief the police won't do much about a car break-in, the information helps to build a more accurate crime picture, which the force can then use to target resources toward certain areas.
Police have also offered several theft prevention tips to vehicle owners:
. Lock your vehicle and put valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk, or bring them into the house at night.
. Don't leave your garage opener and vehicle registration in your vehicle. If thieves take those two items, they will probably break into your home.
. Thieves will break into any vehicle if they think there is something of value inside. Thieves know that briefcases or backpacks may contain wallets, identifications, tablets and other electronic devices.
. After removing valuables from view, lock your car doors. This will discourage some of the more casual thieves, the ones looking for easy targets. It will also deter those who would go into an unlocked car to look for a trunk or hood-release button in order to steal auto parts or the contents of the trunk.
. When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one, and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don't have a garage or when parking at work or your local mall, try to park in a well-lit, open place.
. If you see something, say something. Call 911 and stay on the line if you see or hear something that seems unusual or suspicious.
