As the saying goes, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me ... but fool me three times?
That’s something the Oceanside RCMP want to avoid as they once again issued a warning to local motorists to secure their valuables when they leave their vehicles parked.
RCMP Sergeant Darrell Robertson said police have issued two previous warnings in the past few months about this same issue, but some people are evidently not paying attention — and they are losing some valuable loot as a result.
Robertson’s warning came after thieves broke into seven cars in and around French Creek late Monday night.
The vehicles were parked at Jukes Place, Gilley Crescent, Drew Road and Sunset Place.
While in the past the thieves were able to gain easy access through unlocked doors, Robertson noted that five of the seven vehicles had their windows smashed in order to gain entry, while one vehicle had its window forced open and only the seventh was left unlocked.
There were also three vehicles illegally entered at the same location on Craig Drive in Nanoose Bay. This was reported to the police on the morning of March 25.
Robertson said thieves are after quickly disposable items such as change, cameras and other items of value left in plain view. To avoid being a victim, it’s best not to have such items visible when leaving your vehicle unattended.
“The RCMP need the assistance of the public to assist in these crimes, if you see something that you think is out of the ordinary it just may be, err on the side of caution and give the police a call, they will respond as soon as they can,” Robertson said.
“Note the descriptions of suspicious people and vehicles.”