Police warn of increase in vehicle break-ins

Police say they are seeing an increase in the number of reports of thefts from vehicles, both from those being left unlocked and when thieves break windows to gain access.

Among the commonly stolen items are tools, jewellery, electronics and money, the RCIPS said in an alert issued on Friday.

Chief Superintendent Brad Ebanks said in the alert, “We continue to see thefts from vehicles advancing from ‘opportunistic’ in nature, where unlocked vehicles have provided easy access to thieves, to what we consider are targeted and brazen thefts, whereby thieves are scanning car interiors for items of value before smashing windows and taking items.”

He added that the thefts often occur overnight when vehicles are parked at people’s residences or at commercial premises.

Police had already made a number of arrests and will continue to investigate incidents when reported, he said.

“However, we implore the public to display some preventative measures to avoid becoming a target,” he said.

He advised car-owners to remove all items of value from their vehicles when they return home at the end of the day.

If items, such as certain types of construction tools, can’t be removed, he said, “consider ways to secure them within the vehicle, for example, keep tools locked inside a heavy duty tool box within your vehicle”.

The RCIPS advised the following to help prevent thefts:

• Don’t leave valuable items in your vehicle.
• If you have to store items in your vehicle, ensure they are not visible when your car is  unattended.
• Where possible, record serial numbers and keep photos of your valuables, or engrave unique markings in order that they can be identified more easily if a theft does occur, and for insurance purposes.
• Always secure windows and lock the doors of vehicles when they are unattended – especially overnight.
• Consider adding a vehicle alarm and/or CCTV cameras at your property as an additional measure, if possible.
• When not at home, park vehicles in well-lit areas and, if possible, in places with security cameras or security officers on site.

The RCIPS encouraged members of the public to report any vehicle break-ins to the police, by contacting 911, or their nearest police station.