Oceanside RCMP have seen a recent spike in thefts from vehicles in the mid-Island region and are urging owners to properly secure valuables and lock vehicles when they are unattended.
"The thefts were predominately from unlocked vehicles and in fact, it is very rare that windows are smashed to gain entry," RCMP Cpl. Jesse Foreman said in a release issued last Friday. "Most of these thefts would have been avoided by the owners simply locking their vehicle doors."
In 2015, Oceanside RCMP logged 417 reports of theft from vehicle. The current year's total was not available, but Foreman said the recent jump in thefts point to the possibility of a similar number for 2016.
"We can all do a better job of preventing these thefts," said Foreman, the detachment's NCO in charge of Community Policing. "Please take the time to ensure your vehicle is locked and free of valuables such as change, electronics and sunglasses."
— NEWS Staff/Submitted by Oceanside RCMP