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Vehicle break-ins persist in Saanich

Saanich police are putting out yet another reminder to car owners not to leave valuables in their vehicles

Saanich police are putting out yet another reminder to car owners not to leave valuables in their vehicles and to lock their doors, following another spate of thefts from vehicles.

At least eight vehicles were entered overnight between July 1 and 2 in the Blekinsop and Union roads area of Saanich – seven of which were left unlocked.

A number of items were taken, including loose change, small electronics and some cigars.

"We truly believe that the numbers being reported to us do not reflect the number (of vehicle break-ins) that are actually taking place," said Sgt. Steve Eassie, adding that most people don't see the need to call police if they don't believe anything was stolen.

"We would obviously urge these people (to call us) so we can properly keep stats on the number of incidents that are occurring. And there's also the possibility we may be able to recover forensic evidence."

Police in the region saw a dramatic spike in thefts from autos in May, including 37 in Saanich alone. An arrest made on June 4 resulted in fewer reported incidents in June, but the problem persists, Eassie said.

"(Residential streets are) very target-rich environments. When someone is looking to break in to vehicles, they would rather go somewhere where the houses are very close together and there's a likelihood that they're going to find vehicles unlocked in a relatively short time period," he said.

The best advice, he says, is to remove all items of value from your car when it's parked, lock your doors and, if possible, park in a secure, locked garage.

Police are asking anyone with information on any of these incidents or any other thefts from autos to call 250-475-4321.

kslavin@saanichnews.com