Auto theft

With vehicle break-ins on the rise, auto crime is a persistent threat in B.C. Help protect your vehicle by identifying risks and taking away opportunities for thieves.
According to police data, vehicle break-ins increased by 11% in 2016. That means thieves are on the prowl and any valuables left in the open can make your vehicle an appealing target.
Thieves look for opportunities
Older vehicles are easier targets
Older vehicles tend to have weaker door locks and fewer modern security measures such as electronic engine immobilizers. If your vehicle was manufactured prior to 2007, you may want to use a steering-wheel lock to better secure your vehicle.
Don’t give thieves a chance:
Treat your keys like cash. Never leave your keys unguarded, such as at the gym or at the office.
Park in secure, well-lit areas. Always lock your doors and close the windows, even if you’re only away from your vehicle for a few minutes. When possible, try to park in areas near pedestrian traffic.
Remove valuables from your vehicle. Shopping bags, tools, spare change, electronics, and brief cases can all tempt a thief. If it can be stolen, put it in the trunk.
Wait for garage door gates to close behind you.  Don't give thieves a chance to sneak in to a parkade.
Keep your garage door opener out of sight. Store your garage door remote in a glove box or other concealed place, or take it with you.
Use an electronic engine immobilizer or steering wheel lock. Additional anti-theft devices can help secure your vehicle, particularly if it was manufactured before 2007.
Don’t store a spare key in your vehicle. Keep your spare key or valet at home or on your person.

What can you do to reduce the chances of being victimized by a good burglar?

1.Don't showboat,Leaving certain things lying around your yard or in plain sight from the road can unwittingly lure thieves onto your property like frantic bargain hunters to a flea market. First, if you have a bicycle or scooter that someone could easy to walk away with, roll it inside or into your garage.

2.Fake them out,If burglars can tell that someone is home, there's a greater chance that they won't attempt to break in. Remember, more break-ins occur during the day when many people are at work. For that reason, when you leave the house, create an illusion that someone's still there.

3.Secure sliding doors and windows,You can easily break into some older sliding doors by simply popping them off of their frame, even when locked. It's harder to do that with newer ones, but you should still take extra precaution to secure them since they can be an inviting entry for burglars. Simply take a strong dowel, steel bar or two-by-four and slide it into the back groove. That way, even if people can pick the lock, the rod stops the door from sliding back and opening.

4.Don't leave a spare key out,It may seem like a good idea to leave a spare key hidden under a flower pot or doormat in case you get locked out of your house. But that's an open invitation for a burglar to walk inside without any difficulty.