Vehicle smash-and-grabs on the rise in parking lots in remote areas
By The Trail Champion
On Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 3:53 p.m. Trail and Greater District RCMP received a report of a smash-and-grab
to a vehicle parked in the parking lot of Nancy Green Provincial Park along Hwy 3B, in Rossland.
The owner had been hiking in the area and, when she returned to her vehicle, she discovered that her vehicle window has been smashed. The suspect(s) stole her wallet, bank cards, and identification then used her bank cards to purchase $300 worth of items.
On Friday, Jan. 26, at 3 p.m. Trail and Greater District RCMP received a report of a smash-and-grab
to a vehicle parked in the parking lot of the Strawberry Pass along Hwy 3B, in Rossland.
The owner had been cross-country skiing in the area and, when she returned to her vehicle, she discovered that her window had been smashed. The suspect(s) stole documents and items valued around $600.
On Friday, Jan. 26, at 3:21 p.m. Trail and Greater District RCMP received a report of a smash-and-grab
to a vehicle parked in the parking lot of the Strawberry Pass along Hwy 3B, in Rossland.
The owner had been hiking in the area and, when she returned to her vehicle, she discovered that her vehicle window has been smashed. The suspect(s) stole her wallet, bank cards, and identification then used her bank cards to purchase $3,900 worth of items.
These matters remained under investigation by Trail RCMP.
Every year thousands of vehicles are broken into and stolen. Any valuables left in the open can make your vehicle an appealing target. To help deter at thieves and theft, please consider the following tips:
Be aware that the items stolen most from vehicles include smartphones, personal electronics, tools, credit cards and identification, stereos, cash, car parts and accessories, sunglasses and keys.
- Never leave your keys unguarded.
- Park in secure, well-lit areas whenever possible.
- Remove valuables from vehicles.
- Keep your garage door open out of sight, or better yet, with you!
- Use a vehicle immobilizer or steering wheel lock. New vehicles should have an immobilizer installed already.
- Do not store a spare key in or on your vehicle.
- Vehicle alarms will draw attention and help scare off thieves.
For more information, visit: https://www.icbc.com/road-safety/prevent-autocrime
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