RCMP are reminding people not to leave anything valuable in your car.
They say you can transform your vehicle from a thief’s paradise into a safe haven by doing simple things like taking your keys, wallets and bags with you or locking them in the trunk.
Corporal Jennifer Clarke says thieves will take just about anything.
“GPS’s and things like that or your phone chargers – sometimes that might give people an indication that there might be something of value left in your vehicle and make them want to see a little bit more.”
Cpl Clarke says there have been a number of break-ins around the province this summer.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl Jennifer Clarke says it doesn’t take much to draw a thief’s attention.
“A lot of times people are very trusting and they think it’s okay. They seem to take pride in the fact that they live in Nova Scotia and these things don’t happen around here. But you know what? They do.”
She says the best way to prevent thefts is to make your vehicle boring.
RCMP suggest the following tips can keep your car safe:
- Never leave anything valuable in your vehicle. Take keys, wallets and bags inside with you.
- Hide anything that could alert thieves to valuables in your vehicle. Something as simple as a GPS charger or an empty shopping bag could signal that there may be something worth stealing.
- Remove all cash from plain view. Loose change can be an incentive for a thief to break into your vehicle.
- If you must leave bags or valuables in the car, store them in the trunk. Never keep them in plain view.
- Never leave your vehicle running. It takes seconds for a thief to hop into your car and drive off.
- Close and lock all vehicle doors and windows.
- Report any suspicious people or activity around vehicles to local police by calling their non-emergency line.
