Cramping Christmas crooks

Holiday shopping applies to thieves, too, looking for cars and valuables to steal.

Wherever vehicles gather - malls, shopping centres, boutique streets - thieves will also gather so authorities remind the public to take protective measures.

"On Monday and Tuesday the Prince George RCMP received two reports of attempted stolen vehicles from the parking lot of a local mall," said police spokesman

Cpl. Craig Douglass.

"In both cases, the owners of the vehicles were shopping at a local mall in the afternoon or early evening. The owners returned to their vehicles to find damage done to the door locks and ignition area. Fortunately neither of the vehicles were successfully stolen. The vehicles were both Ford F350 pick-up trucks, one a 2003 and the other a 2005.

"The Ford F- Series is the most stolen vehicle in B.C."

Sometimes the thieves are after the goods inside the cab.

"Thieves go shopping too; however, they don't need to steal from a store when you've displayed desirable items in your vehicle," said Community Policing Centre co-ordinator Linda Parker.

Lock valuables, or anything that might be mistaken for valuable, in the trunk or hatchback. At least cover things up, if that option isn't open.

"Our Citizens On Patrol group [see story, right] will be out and about, and one of the things they do is hand out crime prevention notices," Parker said. "That is an information leaflet placed on windshields to make people aware of things that the Citizens On Patrol volunteer has noticed."

Douglass said all drivers should consider investing in at least one anti-theft device because Prince George auto thieves have shown an unwillingness to waste time and effort or risk making noise on a vehicle they can't make off with quickly and easily.

Another suggestion is to put your valuables into the trunk before you arrive at the mall. Transferring the stuff to the back while at these shopping areas could be observed by the thieves who would then be more likely to target your vehicle.

Other prevention tips include:

Don't leave a spare key in your vehicle;

Park in well lit areas. Avoid parking behind fences or hedges;

If you see any suspicious person or activity near a vehicle, call the police immediately.

Douglass also had a reminder for thieves. Police have a fleet of BAIT cars and these will be sprinkled around the city to tempt crooks. These vehicles are wired to both halt the thieves' progress and collect evidence against them if they break in to one of these high-tech decoys.

Parker added that homeowners needed to be vigilant as well.

"We have seasonal home security tips for Block Watch, but it is important for everyone, I think," she said. "It's common sense stuff, but always good to be reminded of when we have so much to think about around the holidays."

Seasonal home security tips

Don't leave empty boxes in your carport, yard or driveway. You are advertising the fact you have a brand new flat screen TV, laptop, iPad or other very desirable object to steal.

Keep your doors locked even though you may just be outside shoveling your driveway or in your back yard. It doesn't take long for a thief to slip into and out of your home.

Do not keep ladders or tools on the outside of your home. These can be stolen or used to gain entry into your home.

Do not keep your Christmas parcels or any valuables in your vehicle even if it is parked on your property. Always keep your vehicle locked even if it's parked in your carport or driveway.

While on vacation arrange for someone trustworthy to shovel your driveway and bring in your mail (cancel newspaper deliveries until your return).

Have someone house-sit for you. If this is not possible make sure your home looks lived in.

Use timers on indoor lights and tamper-proof, motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home. Lighting is the most effective crime prevention tool since criminals do not want to be seen.

Keep your vacation plans off social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Make sure your house number is visible during the day and night. In an emergency you don't want time wasted trying to find your house number.

Install a door viewer so you know who is at your door before you open it. Know who is there before you open your door and home to a stranger.