An increase in property crime has prompted police to urge residents to take precautions.
From January 1 to February 19, the Prince George RCMP have received 661 reports of property crimes compared to 503 during the same period last year, a 31.4 per cent increase, according to numbers from the detachment.
Moreover, thefts from vehicles continue to be an issue. Those have increased from 76 in 2016 to 88 in 2017. The Heritage area and Downtown have been hit particularly hard, as well as commercial parking lots, RCMP said.
"Like many other communities, there are people that walk residential streets late at night or early in the morning, checking every car door to see if it is unlocked," Cpl. Craig Douglass said. "Residents who leave valuables in their vehicles and their doors unlocked are fueling this property crime trend.
"We need to all do our part to eliminate this crime. Don't be a victim. Remove valuables, lock doors and report suspicious activity to police."
Police also found a spike in break and enters into businesses. Prince George RCMP received 32 such reports between January 1 and February 19, more than double the 15 reported in the same period last year.
Doors are being pried open or entry is gained through other openings in the businesses. Gated compounds are being targeted as well, RCMP said.
