Motorists lose valuables
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Updated: November 19, 2009 3:57 PM
Opportunistic thieves had a field day in South Surrey last Friday (Nov. 13), courtesy motorists who continue to leave valuables in their vehicles.
Police recorded reports of more than a dozen vehicle break-ins across the Peninsula, with losses ranging from GPS equipment and personal ID to video games and hundreds of dollars in cash.
“Unfortunately for these folks, when they leave items like this out in clear view, they are the ones who are targeted,” said Const. Kenn Meglic.
“It doesn’t take much to smash out a window, reach inside... and run. It takes seconds.”
Most of the hits occurred overnight. Windows were smashed in at least three of the incidents.
Areas targeted included the 2800- and 2900-blocks of 147A Street; the 2600-block of 166A Street; the 14300-, 13900- and 13400-blocks of 18 Street; and the 15500-block of Rosemary Heights Crescent.
From one vehicle alone, a newer Jeep Wrangler, the culprit made off with sunglasses, $500 cash, an Esquire watch and a Canon digital camera, Meglic said.
Another victim had fraudulent purchases charged to her credit card after her purse was stolen from a vehicle in Rosemary Heights.
Meglic said police are paying closer attention to areas that have been hardest-hit.
“We’ve got hot spots that we’re focused on and there’s individuals that we’re interested in,” he said.
Still, police can only do so much. Vehicle owners can go a long way to reduce their odds of being targeted by not leaving valuables in sight. For more tips on preventing such crimes, visit the District 5 South Surrey police station, at 100-1815 152 St.
