Lock it or lose it

Photo: Castanet Staff - File Photo

Property crime in the Central Okanagan is on the rise and local RCMP want your help to bring those numbers down.

According to figures released by Kelowna RCMP, compared to last year, residential break and enters are up 38% while thefts from vehicles are up 16%.

These numbers have fallen significantly since mid April when residential break ins were up 48% while theft from vehicles showed an increase of 23%.

"More work needs to be done and with your help we can ultimately do far better," said Cst. Kris Clark.

Clark said when plotted on a map it becomes clear that no place in the Central Okanagan is completely immune to property crime.

"In fact, those who believe their homes to be safe might be making themselves prime targets for thieves by forgetting to complete one simple task: locking their doors.

Even when you are home or in the back yard, your doors and windows should be locked to prevent someone from just walking in. Police are still seeing upwards of 50% of victimized homes and vehicles in urban areas being left unlocked, while that number reaches closer to 100% in rural areas."

A small amount of due diligence on the part of a homeowner or vehicle owner can go a long way in crime prevention. The bit of effort that it takes to remove the valuables from a car or truck and to lock it is immediately rewarded since it is no longer a target to petty thieves.
 
"Locking doors and windows at home can also prevent most would-be thieves from entering," said Clark.
 
Lock it or lose it.