With eight vehicles stolen per week, Kamloops RCMP offer tips to protect yours

Kamloops RCMP are advising the public to take extra precautions to prevent vehicle theft.

An average of eight vehicles a week have been stolen in the past two months in the city, according to a Kamloops RCMP media release.

RCMP say stolen vehicles are often used for other crimes such as break and enters, drug trafficking and robberies.

In addition to using the vehicles to commit crimes, the occupants of the stolen vehicles often pose a public safety risk, police say. Thieves will drive erratically and dangerously when confronted by police, which could cause harm to the public.

“Our Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) is actively targeting people who steal vehicles,” Kamloops RCMP media liaison officer Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says in the release. “CRU is using numerous techniques including targeting prolific offenders and the BAIT vehicle program.”

RCMP are asking the public to take extra precautionary measures to prevent auto theft.

Here are some tips from the RCMP:

• Lock your vehicle and close all windows every time you leave it
• Don’t leave a spare key in your vehicle
• Park your car in the garage if you have one (then make sure the garage is secured)
• If you don’t have a garage, park your vehicle in a well-lit area out in the open
• Place a steering wheel lock on the wheel
• Don’t leave your vehicle running to warm it up with the keys inside or with the doors unlocked

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