As July comes to a close, the Mounties in Fort St John said the number of thefts from motor vehicles, “seems to be going down.”
According to RCMP Cst. Christiaan Dreyer the force’s database showed a decrease from the 36 thefts in June – though he could not provide an exact number of reports for this month.
Throughout the summer, officers sent several messages to residents asking them to ensure their cars are locked and Dreyer suggested their public education efforts may be working.
Almost all of this month’s reports were from people who left their cars unlocked, which can result in a fine of $81, per the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act.
Dreyer said the thieves try to open car doors, and the trouble begins when they are successful.
“If the vehicle’s open and they see something they like they’re just taking it,” the constable said.
In a report to Fort St John city council, ahead of its July 27 regular meeting, the RCMP said several thefts occurred on the same night within one area, and suggested one person, or group, could be responsible for most of these cases.
Dreyer reiterated this point as he said this crime is one of opportunity and the thieves simply may not be seizing as many chances to get into the cars.
On occasion, robbers will break into locked cars, according to the report sent to City Hall, but this is only the case when expensive valuables are left in plain sight, such as on the passenger’s seat or in an uncovered trunk.
Despite the decrease in cases, police asked members of the public who see something suspicious to contact their detachment, and once again, reminded drivers to lock their car doors.
