RCMP Warn Of Spike In Vehicle Thefts

The Comox Valley RCMP is urging drivers to take extra care this summer as they continue to see a rise in thefts from vehicles, especially in Comox and Courtenay.

Since the first day of summer, police say they’ve received a noticeable bump in calls about items being stolen from parked vehicles, and in most of those cases, the doors were left unlocked.

Some of the items taken include things like wallets with credit and debit cards, ID, and cash, along with tools, electronics, and even personal items like wedding bands and sunglasses.

One vehicle owner reported a stolen GoPro camera. Another lost their military ID and firearms licence.

“In a small community like Comox, residents are often the first to notice when something isn’t right. Reporting any and all suspicious activity, no matter how small it seems, can prevent crimes before they happen.” said Constable Monika Terragni, Comox Valley RCMP.

It impacts the victim directly but also ties up time and resources for police and fraud investigators who are trying to follow up on these incidents.

While these are crimes that are often preventable, reporting them is still really important.

Every single report helps build a bigger picture of what’s happening.

It can help direct patrols, reveal patterns, or even link a suspect to other crimes in the area.

Theft Prevention Tips:

• Always lock all of your vehicle's doors and windows after entering and exiting.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even for a few seconds. Turn off the ignition and take the keys with you.
• Never hide a spare key in your car or outside your residence.
• Never leave personal identification or valuables in your vehicle.
• Remove technologic and other removable accessories from view when not in your vehicle.
• Invest in anti-theft devices.