Halifax District RCMP is reminding citizens to lock their cars and secure their valuables following a recent increase in the number of thefts from cars and sheds.

‘Unfortunately we are seeing an increase vehicle and shed break-in’s as weather has started to warm up,’ said Cpl.

Greg Church. ‘In many cases these are crimes of opportunity and can be prevented by locking car doors or securing shed or out buildings.’

RCMP have seen an increase in car break-ins in Kingswood Subdivision and break-ins to outbuildings in both Lower and Middle Sackville.

There are preventative measures citizens can take to help reduce these types of crimes including:

Get to know your neighbours and communicate with them on a regular basis so together you can become note and report any suspicious activity to police.

Always close windows all the way and lock the doors of vehicles and sheds.

Remove valuables and shopping bags from view. This includes loose change and electronic devices such as Ipods, cell phones and GPS navigation systems.

Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.

Park in well lit areas. Park your vehicle facing the street. Anyone tampering with it is more likely to be seen.

Don’t leave your garage opener, house/business keys or vehicle registration papers in your vehicle. If thieves stole these items, they could use them to commit other crimes including identity theft or break & enter.

If you have a garage, use it. Lock both the vehicle and garage.

The RCMP requires the assistance of the public to prevent crime in our communities.

If you are a victim of a vehicle break-in or witness any suspicious activity happening in your neighbourhood, please contact any RCMP Detachment, local police or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by a Secure Web Tips at www.crimesstoppers.ns.ca. Calls to Crime Stoppers are not taped or traced and if police make an arrest and lay charges based on a tip, callers qualify for a cash award.

Source: Release