Car thieves are hard at work in Burnaby, contributing to a rise in the number of auto thefts, according to the most recent community police report by Burnaby RCMP.
Not since before 2011 has the Burnaby RCMP reported such a spike in auto thefts as well as thefts from autos, Insp. Mike Labossiere told those present at the community policing committee meeting on Dec. 11.
The number of auto thefts nearly doubled in October compared to 2013, rising from 355 to 675 this year. This indicates about a 90 per cent increase over last year, according to the Burnaby RCMP community police report for September, October and November.
The report highlights both auto thefts and thefts from autos as two crimes that have been increasing rapidly this year.
But the problem isn’t contained to Burnaby.
“It’s not a Burnaby issue,” he said. “They are … taking cars from all over and dumping them in Burnaby or Surrey or Vancouver or Richmond.”
Labossiere said police have been working hard to arrest the individuals responsible for this spike. He added that most of the thefts can be attributed to a small group of prolific offenders operating throughout the Lower Mainland.
Bait cars are also being used to catch these criminals and are proving especially effective during this busy holiday season, Labossiere said.
“We’re actively deploying multiple bait cars every week, and in strategic locations too,” he said.
With Christmas right around the corner, the Burnaby RCMP is reminding shoppers to take extra precautions when out shopping and not to store purchases in their vehicles.
