Don't encourage a criminal

Photo: Contributed

Don’t encourage a criminal over the holidays.

Citizens Patrol volunteers in West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland are out doing vehicle checks in high-traffic retail parking lots now through Christmas Eve.

If you've left gifts, food or other valuables in plain view inside your vehicle – or worse yet, left it unlocked – you can expect to receive a note on your windshield. But rather than pointing out easy targets for thieves, the patrols will be leaving reminders on every vehicle.

Regional district crime prevention co-ordinator Roy Morgan says that’s an invitation for someone to steal presents and gifts. 

“It doesn’t take much for someone who’s looking for an opportunity, to take advantage of it.  Thieves have been known to steal loose change, cigarettes and lighters that people leave out in plain view in their vehicle," he says.

Always lock your vehicle before leaving it, and "if you must leave anything of value inside, store it securely in your trunk."

He cautions that personal ID left unattended could be used in identity theft.