Prince George RCMP is urging residents to protect their property as a wave of property crime washes over the city.
For the month so far, the detachment has received 75 confirmed reports of thefts from vehicles and 57 confirmed reports of break and enters. (Maps showing where the incidents occurred were released Thursday).
Catching the culprits is not as easy as many people may think - victims are urged to report the offences without delay. RCMP often receive reports several hours and even days after something goes missing, giving offenders a jump on police.
"We require the eyes and the assistance of the public to report criminal or suspicious activity as soon as possible," Cpl. Craig Douglass said.
Residents are also encouraged to take the following steps to prevent the crimes from being committed in the first place and help track down items that are stolen:
- Record serial numbers or engrave your driver's licence number on valuables;
- Take pictures of property and store the files on a disk;
- Report suspicious activity at all hours of the day;
- Get to know your neighbours and keep an eye on their property;
- Use security systems, cameras and other deterrents;
- Keep your doors locked, even if you are in the back yard;
- Close and lock your windows each time you leave your home, even in hot weather;
- Register your bicycles on the '529 Garage' on-line program;
- Lock your vehicle doors and use an anti-theft device;
- When possible, do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must, leave them out of sight;
- Never leave your wallet, purse, identification or keys in a vehicle.
"If everyone took these steps, we are confident that these property crimes would decline and our officers could spend more time targeting those persons that cause Prince George residents the most harm," Douglass said.
