A rash of thefts from autos in Victoria and Esquimalt has Victoria police asking for the public’s help.

The number of thefts from vehicles over the past three weeks was 31 per cent higher than last year’s average.

The area near Esquimalt Road and Lampson Street in Esquimalt and around Vancouver Street and Rockland Avenue in Victoria have particularly hard hit, police say.

VicPD has increased patrols and is using both volunteers and reserve constables to help raise awareness about best practices for leaving vehicles unattended.

Police are asking the public to report any suspicious activity by calling the non-emergency line at 250-995-7654.

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