Coquitlam RCMP is reminding residents to be diligent about locking up their vehicles and securing their valuables after 12 thefts from automobiles occurred Sunday night in the Westwood Plateau area.
Cpl. Jamie Chung said that of the 12 reports, "eight vehicles were not properly secured, allowing thieves to gain easy access and rummage through the inside. The other four vehicles had their windows broken."
A briefcase with a wallet and firearms license inside, a GPS device, a golf bag and clubs, a video camera, purse and loose change were just some of the items were taken in the spate of thefts.
"Residents are advised not to leave anything in their vehicles and to lock all doors and close all windows," Chung said. "A vehicle that is not properly secured signals thieves there are easy targets in the area and puts all other nearby vehicles at risk."
Parking in well-lit areas can also reduce incidents of theft and garage door openers, house keys and vehicle registration should not be left in an unattended automobile.
Coquitlam Mounties are asking anyone who is a victim of theft from a vehicle to report the crime by calling 604-945-1550..
