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Keep cars locked, police urge residents after surge of thefts

Sidney/North Saanich RCMP are sounding a familiar warning, urging residents to lock parked vehicles. They said there were at least 15 complaints last week about unlocked vehicles had been rummaged through and property stolen.

Sidney/North Saanich RCMP are sounding a familiar warning, urging residents to lock parked vehicles.

They said there were at least 15 complaints last week about unlocked vehicles had been rummaged through and property stolen. The thefts happened throughout Sidney.

Similar strings of thefts happened last fall and this past spring when vehicles were not locked, police said.

They believe that the most recent incidents are linked to the later theft of a vehicle that was found abandoned in Victoria.

Among the items taken were portable electronics, garage-door openers, wallets and keys to other vehicles.

“Leaving vehicles unlocked, filled with items that can be easily stolen, is an invitation to thieves to come to the north Peninsula and cause havoc,” said Sidney/North Saanich RCMP detachment commander Staff Sgt. Wayne Conley.

Oak Bay police also stressed the importance of locking vehicles and removing valuables after a camera worth $1,800 was taken from an unlocked vehicle on Henderson Road last week, as well as items from unlocked vehicles on Estevan Avenue, Clive Drive and Beach Drive.

If you have been the victim of this sort of crime, contact Sidney/North Saanich RCMP at 250-656-3931 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).—Times Colonist