Advisory: Thefts from vehicles in Woodside and Portland Hills areas of Dartmouth

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

As part of our Community Response Model of Policing, our Comstat crime analysts have noted an increase in thefts from motor vehicles in Woodside and Portland Hills areas. Between May 3-16, police received nine reports of items stolen from inside unattended vehicles in this area. In some cases, the vehicles were left unlocked with attractive objects left inside. Items that have been stolen include change, an electric tool, phone chargers, a backpack, a GPS and other items.

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

If you’ve been a victim of a theft and have yet to report the incident to police, please file a report online athalifax.ca/police/OnlineCrimeReporting/OnlineCrimeReporting.php or call 902-490-5016. Police have increased proactive patrols in these areas and ask that anyone who observes suspicious activity in or around parked vehicles call police at 902-490-5020.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online atwww.crimestoppers.ns.ca.

Source: Media Release