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Police investigating surge of thefts, including vehicles
On Monday, October 28, Columbia Valley RCMP received 14 reports of thefts from vehicles, two thefts of vehicles and a theft of a cargo trailer.
The thefts occurred in the Invermere and Windermere area. The suspects targeted unlocked vehicles and vehicles with keys left in them.
Stolen from Pinetree Place in Invermere was an orange Dodge Journey, which was recovered in Radium Hot Springs.
Stolen from Swansea Road in Windermere was a Nissan Titan pickup, which was recovered in Canmore, Alberta.
Five wallets were among items stolen from the vehicles, reported Sgt. Darren Kakuno, Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment commander.
Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment is working with their Alberta counterparts to investigate reported use of the stolen credit cards in Calgary.
Police would like to thank the residents who have turned over video footage that captured a 2012-2015 four door Honda Civic in the vicinity of the thefts. Police are requesting residents review their video footage from Sunday and Monday to determine if they captured any suspicious activities.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers.
Residents are reminded of simple measures they can take to prevent thefts:
Lock your vehicles. The majority of thefts of or from vehicles are crimes of opportunity. The criminals spend very little time at each vehicle. If your vehicle is locked they will typically carry on to the next vehicle until they find one that is unlocked.
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Never leave wallets, passports or electronics in your vehicle. Even loose change can make your vehicle a target;
Never leave your vehicle running. As the temperatures drop, drivers are often tempted to leave their vehicles running unattended. This not only makes your vehicle an easy target for criminals but it is also an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Do not leave your garage door opener inside your vehicle. Even if your vehicle is broken into while you’re away from your residence there are typically documents in your vehicle with your home address.
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