Nanaimo Mounties are reminding residents to lock up their valuables as thefts from vehicles, sheds and backyards are on the rise in the Harbour City.
RCMP say an increase in thefts is expected in the summer, with thieves making use of the longer days.
“If it’s not locked down or out of sight, it will be stolen,” Const. Gary O’ Brien said in a statement.
Thieves most commonly target cell phones, purses, wallets and coins from vehicles, according to RCMP, so Mounties recommend not leaving those items behind – even in a hiding spot.
Personal identification stolen from wallets and purses can also be used fraudulently to create bank accounts or lines of credit, O’Brien said.
Police are also encouraging residents to lock up backyard sheds, register their bikes with RCMP and report all break-ins, even if it appears nothing was stolen.
The warning comes after Nanaimo council approved an extra $719,000 in annual funding to hire three more RCMP officers and two civilian administration staff for the detachment.
That will bring the city’s total number of police officers to 153.
