Thefts from vehicles continue to be a major problem in the city, and many owners are making it easy for thieves by leaving their cars and trucks unlocked.
Prince George George RCMP released a video from a surveillance camera this week that clearly shows such vehicles make for easy targets.
In it, a clean-cut male walks up to a car and simply opens the door. Once inside , he spends a minute looking through the interior with a flashlight before he gets out, gently shuts the door and moves on.
His luck was not as good when he tries the door on a truck parked behind it, but the suspect remains unidentified. The video is from April 20.
It's not an isolated incident. Thefts from vehicles rose from 303 to 412, or 36 per cent, over the first six months of the year, compared to the same period last year.
"Although this incident occurred on Trent Drive in Lower College Heights, these intrusive property crimes are happening all over the city," RCMP said. "Whether you live in College Heights, the Heritage area, the Millar Addition, the VLA, the Hart or areas in between, thefts from vehicles are occurring."
Owners are urged to take simple precautions.
"Police are pleading with the public to lock vehicle doors and never leave valuables including purses and wallets in your vehicle," RCMP said. "Failing to do this fuels these crimes."
RCMP also urge residents to report suspicious activity.
"Checking into suspicious incidents is part of our duties and not a waste of our time. Please call police right away."
Prince George RCMP can be reached at 250-561-3300 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be provided online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca, or by texting CRIMES using keyword "pgtips."
For tips on theft prevention, go to the safety tips section of the detachment's website, princegeorge.rcmp.ca.
