An “epidemic” of vehicle break-ins, in both residential and commercial areas, has Saanich police reminding owners to take steps to ensure they don’t become victimized.
Police were notified of 11 thefts from autos that occurred in a small Cadboro Bay neighbourhood, involving cars parked on Sinclair Road, Penrhyn Street, Pitcombe Place and Killarney Street. These incidents occurred over Nov. 16 and 17.
“We know that when we receive a dozen reports, that’s really just the tip of the iceberg,” said Sgt. Dean Jantzen. “(Vehicle break-ins are) a severely underreported occurrence in our community.”
In those incidents, the thief took electronics and loose change.
Tools were taken in an unrelated series of thefts from autos overnight Saturday from a business on Entreprise Crescent just off Glanford and Vanalman avenues.
Eight different vehicles owned by one company were forcibly entered.
That one property has been targeted four times since September. Four other nearby businesses have also been targeted in that time.
“If you are a business operator and you have a compound that secures vehicles, you need to review your security precautions. Whether it be your fencing, your lighting, your alarms,” Jantzen said. “Just make it as inaccessible as possible.”
Homeowners are reminded to simply not leave anything in their car that could be targeted.
“I’ve heard stories of a couple pop tins being taken from a vehicle. That shows you how desperate these individuals are,” Jantzen said.
Anyone with information on any of these crimes can call 250-475-4321.
kslavin@saanichnews.com