Photo: File photo

Businesses are being reminded to secure all rooms with valuables in them following thefts of personal items.

A recent string of incidents where thieves have gained access to restricted areas has resulted in personal belongings from unlocked lockers or cubbies being stolen.

Items that have been taken include credit cards and car keys which have resulted in stolen vehicles.

“Staff are reminded to make sure that access to staff rooms or common areas where they store personal belongings are constantly monitored or locked,” said Rachael Zubick, co-ordinator of the Vernon Community Safety Office. “Crimes against small businesses are often crimes of opportunity and thieves are looking for cash and an easy target.”

Zubick said the community safety office provides “security audits using the principles of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, which is free of charge to any business that would like to review their security. If you own or manage a business, the fear of burglary, a robbery or a major shoplifting loss is probably never far from your mind.”

For more information, call Zubick at 250-550-7842.