Following a “wave” of vehicle break-ins on the Saanich Peninsula, an initiative has been launched by the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP aimed at helping limit the crime.
In partnership with Greater Victoria Crimestoppers, the RCMP are distributing high visibility stickers telling thieves, “All Valuables Removed.”
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The small yellow stickers can be placed in the window of a vehicle, sending a clear message to thieves that the vehicle is empty and not worth breaking into.
“We have seen a 22 per cent increase in thefts from vehicles in the Sidney/North Saanich area in 2019,” says Staff Sgt. Wayne Conley of the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP. “These stickers are a proactive step to deter theft, and serve as a handy reminder to owners as well.”
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Prevention is the most effective form of stopping theft from vehicles. Items recently reported stolen to the local detachment include iPads, personal identification, credit cards, cash and cell phones.
Many vehicles were even found to have been left unlocked by their owners.
Stickers are available at the Sidney/North Saanich detachment, located at 9895 Fourth St. They are also available in Sidney and North Saanich at Canadian Tire, Thrifty Foods and Save-On-Foods locations.
nick.murray@peninsulanewsreview.com
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