From RCIPS

In ongoing efforts to target the recent rise in thefts from vehicles, police arrested two men connected to these incidents on Thursday, 29 September and a further two men on Monday, 2 October as part of targeted operations.

One of the men has been arrested by the police three times in the last six weeks for theft related matters. He has been formally charged in relation to two of these incidents. 

“Police have apprehended recidivist offenders who have been targeting communities and stealing thousands of dollars of tools, jewellery and cash from vehicles”, says Superintendent Roje Williams.  “Reports of thefts from vehicles have increased significantly over recent months, and we are now seeing this escalate to theft of vehicles.  These offenders are known to police and often have complex personal issues that lead to their recidivist behavior”. 

So far this year, police have received over 100 reports of thefts from vehicles and thefts of vehicles.  The RCIPS continues to respond to reports and put proactive measures in place to disrupt and apprehend individuals linked to theft incidents.  These efforts have led to the arrest of seven persons, four of which have been charged.

“Two of the men that were arrested were caught in possession of tools believed to be used to facilitate theft activity”, says Supt. Roje Williams.  “We see this as a growing trend and believe offenders are resorting to breaking into vehicles as opposed to burglaries because they consider this a lesser crime, and possibly enabling them to get back onto the streets sooner and begin the cycle over again”.

Regardless of the arrests made, police continue to stress to the public the importance of being proactive in protecting your possessions.

Remember:

• As a general rule, don’t leave valuable items in your vehicle. 
• If you have to store items in your vehicles, ensure they are not visible when your car is unattended.
• Where possible, record serial numbers and keep photos of your valuables, or engrave unique markings in order that they can be identified more easily if a theft does occur, and for insurance purposes.
• Always secure windows and lock the doors of vehicles when they are unattended – especially overnight. 
• Consider adding a vehicle alarm and/or CCTV cameras at your property as an additional measure if possible.
• When not at home, park vehicles in well-lit areas and if possible in places with security cameras or security officers on sight

The RCIPS is encouraging all members of the public to report any such incidents to the police, by contacting 9-1-1, or your nearest police station.