The Nanaimo RCMP Community Policing Unit setup at Woodgrove Centre on Saturday Feb. 8 to highlight auto crime and pedestrian awareness. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

AUTO CRIME

Nanaimo RCMP find 1 in 5 cars making life easier for thieves

Feb 13, 2020 | 7:09 AM

NANAIMO — A recent Nanaimo RCMP event raising awareness about staying safe on the roads showed how vulnerable many people are to theft.

Volunteers canvassed the parking lot at Woodgrove Shopping Centre on Saturday, Feb. 8, checking vehicles for anything which would stand out for a thief.

Community policing coordinator Dave Cusson said of the roughly 500 cars checked, 105 had items inside and in plain view.

“Criminals are counting on this and will, without hesitation, breaking into your vehicle to take your belongings,” he said in a release.

Incidents of thefts from cars have risen in recent years, with Nanaimo RCMP consistently repeating the message people need to make sure their cars are locked and don’t contain any valuables.

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Hundreds of stickers saying “All Valuables Removed” were handed out at the event on Saturday, as well as reflective bands to make pedestrians more noticable.

“The day was a huge success as our volunteers engaged with hundreds of shoppers, brining awareness to these significant community safety issues,” Cusson said.

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