RCMP says unlocked doors behind spike in auto crime

Auto crime is on the rise in Campbell River.

From January to October, there were 421 reports of thefts from vehicles in the city.

Over the same period last year, there were 364 reports.

And from January to October 2017,  there were 258 reports.

Over 85 percent of the thefts are from cars and trucks that were left unlocked.

RCMP spokesperson, Const. Maury Tyre, said thefts from autos are “easily preventable,” 

“Locking your vehicles and removing all visible valuables can deter most criminals who are opportunists,” Tyre said.

Overall, the Campbell River RCMP had 270 calls for service over the past week.

This was a decrease of seven files when compared to the same period last year. 

However, when compared to last year’s figures, there has been an 11 percent increase in files over last year up to Nov. 12, 2019.

A great deal of the file increase can be attributed to various types of property crimes.

Meanwhile, the Campbell River RCMP is launching the 9 o’clock Routine program, where the public is reminded at 9:00pm to secure their valuables and lock vehicles and doors. 

They are also running nightly reminders on Twitter @CampbellRivRCMP.

If you witness suspicious activity or want to report a crime, you’re asked to call the Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.