Over the past several weeks, there has been an increase in the number of thefts from parked vehicles throughout the Saanich area.
Police have seen several neighbourhoods where thieves have targeted numerous vehicles during the late evening an early morning hours.
Contrary to previous increases, investigating officers are finding in many of the reported incidents that the vehicles have been forcibly entered, either by the door lock being “punched”, or by defeating the windows and gaining access to the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Several reports of small electronic devices, such as GPS units, as well as thefts of loose change and sunglasses have been reported. There have also been cases were the only item missing was insurance documents.
“Thieves may be able to obtain sensitive financial records from you insurance papers if you leave prescribe to the monthly payment plans through your insurance agent” said Sgt. Steve Eassie. “We would like to remind anyone on the monthly payment plan to check their insurance documents and ensure that banking information has been removed from the vehicle and safely secured inside a residence”.
Residents are reminded not to leave anything of value in their vehicles, and to park, if possible, in well lit areas.
Specific neighbourhoods that have recently been targeted are Gorge Road near the waterway, the 3300 block of Glasgow Avenue, and most recently, the 700 to 1000 block of Tulip Avenue.
Should you find that your vehicle has been unlawfully entered, please contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321to report the incident.
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158