Police reminding the community to remove valuables from their vehicles after several cars were targeted

Ladysmith RCMP would like to remind the public to ensure they remove any valuables and lock their vehicles when unattended.

Over the past weekend, Ladysmith RCMP received 10 reports of theft from vehicles in the Christie Rd area of Ladysmith. In each instance, vehicles were unlocked and items such as cash, headphones, laptops, jewelry and wallets were stolen.

Avoid the following practices

• Leaving any property in your vehicle. If you do this, it may be gone when you return later. Thieves will break in for as little as a few coins or a cigarette lighter. Typical items stolen from vehicles include purses, wallets, credit cards, GPS units, passports, house keys, cash, clothing and sunglasses. If you absolutely must leave items in your vehicle, secure them in the trunk. Many thieves routinely check the glove box and under the seat for hidden items.

• Leaving any personal identification in an unattended vehicle. This includes a driver’s licence, financial documents, credit/debit information or any mail that could identify who you are. You could become a victim of identity theft. Often, the thieves are only taking identification and credit cards from purses, but leave the purse behind. The owner may not realize a theft has occurred until much later. Once armed with a few cards, thieves are then able to apply for and receive: loans in your name, additional credit cards, and cash advances. If you don’t notice the theft for a number of days, the damage done could be extensive.

• Keeping your garage door opener in your vehicle along with any identifying information. This could result in leading the suspects directly to your residence.

Security measures to protect your vehicle

• Invest in a good anti-theft device, particularly a passive immobilizer. Use a steering wheel lock every time you park your vehicle. Make sure you set the alarm on your vehicle when you leave it.
• Secure your licence plates with bolts. Criminals commonly steal licence plates and use them to avoid being identified while committing other crimes..
• Lock your car when you leave it. Make sure that all of your doors and windows are locked. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to get a vehicle running, even without the keys. Double check your doors are locked on your car every night, either by physically going to check it, or by using your fob.