Halifax Regional Police reminds citizens to lock their vehicles and remove valuables when their vehicles are left unattended.

As part of its Community Response Model of Policing,  HRP’s Comstat crime analysts have noted an increase in thefts from motor vehicles in the area bordered by Micmac Boulevard, Mount Pleasant Avenue and Crichton Avenue in Dartmouth. In the last month, police have received 13 reports of items stolen from inside unattended vehicles in these areas alone. Some of the vehicles were left unlocked with attractive objects left in plain sight, while others were locked but thieves smashed a window to gain entry.

Thefts from vehicles are usually crimes of opportunity with visible items tempting would-be thieves. Citizens should remove all items from their vehicles and lock the doors upon exiting. If it is absolutely necessary to leave items in your vehicle, you should lock them in the trunk out of plain sight before arriving at your destination.

Citizens who have had items stolen from their vehicles should file a report by calling 902-490-5016 or online at http://www.halifax.ca/Police/OnlineCrimeReporting/OnlineCrimeReporting.php

HRP encourages citizens to call police at 902-490-5020 if they observe any suspicious activity in or around parked vehicles. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.

Source: Release