Auto crime on the rise in B.C.

COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) – According to ICBC, auto crime is on the rise in B.C. for the first time in a decade. As a result, the R.C.M.P. is out with some simple tips to help you protect not only your ride, but the property inside of it.

Mounties in Coquitlam say there were over 3,000 reported vehicle break-ins last year, an increase of 35% compared to 2014. In 20% of those cases, the vehicle was unlocked.

To help reduce the chance your car will be broken into, police recommend drivers lock the vehicle, park in well-lit areas, near pedestrian traffic, remove everything from the car, including sunglasses, loose change, smartphones and identification.

Crooks are taking all sorts of weird items from unlocked cars, including underwear, bibles, and bocce balls.

Coquitlam RCMP Constable Jamie Phillipson says food is even up for grabs.

“One of the more interesting items taken was a mini jar of Nutella. I don’t understand that, but it was clearly important for somebody to get into that car.”

The top 10 items stolen from vehicles:

1. Smartphones
2. Personal electronics
3. Work tools
4. Credit cards and identification
5. Stereo equipment
6. Cash and change
7. Car parts and accessories
8. Garage door openers
9. Sunglasses
10. Keys

ICBC Road Safety Coordinator Kathleen Nadalin is telling people to take their garage door openers out of their vehicles because thieves can easily access insurance papers.

“Not only are you now a target for identity theft, but now they could potentially have access to your home because they have your garage door opener as well as the address to your house. If you can, take your garage door opener out and put in your purse, take it with you.”

The insurance corporation recommends electronic immobilizers. They’re devices that are hard wired into vehicles and can shut down the starter, ignition and/or fuel system. They require a special key to start the engine. Steering wheels are good visual deterrents, but don’t offer the same level of protection as immobilizers.

Top 10 stolen vehicles in B.C. in 2014:

1. Honda Civic (and CRX)
2. Honda Accord
3. Ford F350
4. Acura Integra
5. Ford F150XLT
6. Ford F250 Supercab
7. Dodge Caravan
8. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
9. Toyota Corolla
10. Toyota Camry

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