Victoria, BC – Officers are warning the public after a large increase, especially in parkades, of thefts from vehicles.
In 2016, there were 158 reported thefts from vehicles that occurred in the downtown core with 32 of them occurring in various parkades throughout the city. In 2017, there were 441 reported thefts from vehicles that occurred in the downtown core with 241 occurring in various parkades. In total, there has been a 25% increase in thefts from vehicles throughout Victoria and Esquimalt. The majority of the thefts involved items that were left in plain view in a vehicle.
Parkades include both ones owned by the City of Victoria and those that are privately owned.
Officers have been proactively patrolling parkades and our Reserve Constables and volunteers will be continuing their involvement with the Lock Out Auto Crime (LOAC) program. This program has been a great way to educate people on how to prevent theft from vehicles. They regularly see money, smart phones, laptops and other expensive electronics all in plain view, alongside recently purchased presents and gifts. If you find a LOAC notice on your vehicle, our volunteers were there to help remind you how you can reduce the chance of theft from your vehicle.
If you have been the victim of theft, you can report it to us either online at http://vicpd.ca/reportcrimeonline or by telephone at 250-995-7654
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