More than 3,200 motorists who parked their cars with valuables or garage door openers clearly seen from outside their vehicle received notices from Tri-Cities Lock Out Auto Crime volunteers last year.
The notices look like parking tickets and are placed on windshields, offering common sense tips for preventing auto theft.
Many of the Lock Out Auto Crime volunteers also work in the stolen auto recovery program, which scanned more than 3,500 licence plates in 2010 in an effort to identify stolen vehicles.
"These volunteers work tirelessly," said Jill Blacklock, an ICBC road safety manager. "Many give up their Friday evenings to go out on a cold, rainy night to try to locate stolen vehicles or spend their afternoon scanning busy parking lots for unsecured vehicles."
Since 2003, British Columbia has seen a 65% decrease in auto crime. Figures released by the insurance corporation show that since 2003, the number of stolen vehicles has dropped 81% in Coquitlam, 75% in Port Coquitlam and 80% in Port Moody.
Other crime news:
BAIT CAR BUST
An 18-year-old Tri-City woman is facing several charges after allegedly stealing a bait car in Port Coquitlam last week.
Cassie Ozmun has been charged with theft under $5,000, possession of break-in instruments and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Coquitlam RCMP placed the bait car in an area where crime analysis showed a recent spike in stolen vehicles and break-ins. Police were notified of the activation of the bait car and were able to get updates from the vehicle's live video feed, including images of the suspect. The technology also allows police to remotely track and disable the vehicle.
After driving a short distance the vehicle was pulled over and a suspect was arrested without incident.
Ozmun is expected to appear in court on April 18.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
