Vehicles

Preventing Theft from Vehicles

Theft from, and theft of vehicles, is an ongoing crime which directly impacts victims and places a strain on valuable police resources. This type of crime is not new, but is very often preventable through community engagement. 

If you leave it, thieves won’t. Theft-from-auto continues to be a common crime in Nelson, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk, expense, and inconvenience. The Nelson Police Department would like to provide the public with the following tips and best practices in an attempt to prevent theft of motor vehicles or theft from motor vehicles.

Thieves Will Steal Anything

Thieves can target virtually anything of value, making it essential to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect your belongings. For small, easily concealable items to larger assets like vehicles and electronics, nothing is immune to theft. Understanding the opportunistic nature of thieves and the wide range of items they might target can help you implement effective security measures. 

The Top Ten

Vehicles are prime targets for theft, and thieves often seek out valuable items left inside. Understanding what these items are can help you take preventative measures to protect your belongings. From electronics to personal documents, the range of commonly stolen items is diverse.

Read advice from ICBC Preventing Auto Crime, presenting the top ten most stolen items from vehicles, and offers of tips on how to secure them, helping you reduce the risk of theft and keep your possessions safe, including this list of the most stolen items from vehicles:

  1. Smartphones
  2. Personal electronics- tablets, laptops, iPods, GPS
  3. Work tools
  4. Credit cards and identification
  5. Stereo equipment
  6. Cash and change
  7. Car parts and accessories
  8. Garage door openers
  9. Sunglasses
  10. Keys

Security measures to protect your vehicle

Secure your licence plates with bolts. Criminals commonly steal licence plates and use them to avoid being identified while committing other crimes.

Do not set the 'Home' function on your GPS device to your home address. Instead, choose a nearby intersection. This prevents the suspects from knowing exactly where you live.

Lock your car when you leave it. Make sure that all of your doors and windows are locked. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to get a vehicle running, even without the keys. Double check your doors are locked on your car every night, either by physically going to check it, or by using your fob.

Do not keep your garage door opener in your vehicle along with any identifying information. This could result in leading the suspects directly to your residence.

Remove everything from sight and leave nothing in your vehicle to steal. This reduces your chances of your vehicle being selected because it has not attracted a thief’s attention- even if it’s just for your loose change and cheap pair of sunglasses. Do not leave your purse, jacket, or backpack unattended, even when you're at work. Thieves are always looking for unattended belongings. Lock up your items in a locker, or keep your keys in your pocket.

Parking your vehicle

Ensuring the safety of your vehicle while parking is essential for preventing theft, vandalism, and other potential risks. By following a set of practical safety tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering problems. Whether you are parking at home, at work, or while running errands, taking a few extra precautions can provide peace of mind and protect your vehicle from unwanted incidents. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind when parking your vehicle.

When parking your vehicle, never leave it parked and running when you run an errand, even for a minute. Always park in open, visible areas and avoid parking behind fences and hedges. At home, ensure your driveway is well-lit at night. When parking elsewhere, choose well-lit areas near pedestrian traffic. If you have a garage, use it every time you park at home. Use a Faraday bag to block Bluetooth signals. Always remove your keys, completely close and lock all doors and windows, and turn your wheels towards the curb to make it harder to tow. 

When at home

Parking your vehicle at home may seem straightforward, but it still requires careful attention to ensure safety. Home parking presents unique challenges and opportunities to secure your vehicle against theft, vandalism, and other potential hazards. By implementing a few key safety measures, you can protect your vehicle and enjoy greater peace of mind. Here are some essential safety tips to consider when parking your vehicle at home.

To enhance the safety of your vehicle at home, use and lock your garage if you have one, and install a motion sensor light to illuminate your vehicles and garage. For rear-wheel drive cars, back into the driveway, and for front-wheel drive cars, park front end first. Always set the emergency brake, remain aware of your surroundings, and drive with your doors locked.

Other good practices

Keep your vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance on you at all times. Don’t leave these documents in your glove compartment. 

Always wait for an automatic gate to close behind you when entering or leaving a controlled parking area.

When fueling your vehicle, ensure that you have your vehicle's key with you at all times. Lock your vehicle when you leave it to pay.

Additional Considerations

Theft of Vehicles

Vehicle theft is a significant concern in the realm of vehicle safety. It poses risks not only to the owners of the stolen vehicle but also to the community at large. Understanding the various methods employed by thieves, the most commonly targeted vehicles and the preventative measures that can be taken is crucial for enhancing vehicle security and reducing the likelihood of theft incidents.

Buying and Selling of Pre-owned Vehicles

When purchasing or selling privately owned pre-owned vehicles, it is crucial to be knowledgeable about the process for a secure and successful transaction. Familiarizing oneself with essential aspects like vehicle history verification, thorough inspections and accurate legal documentation is key for both buyers and sellers to engage in private pre-owned vehicle transactions confidently and safely.

Report to police

If you witness a theft-from-auto or see something suspicious, please call 911.

If you have been a victim of a theft-from-auto, please call the Nelson Police Department non-emergency line at 250-354-3919.

You should be ready to report the following vehicle information: 

  • Year and make, model, colour(s)
  • Licence number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Serial numbers of all special equipment
  • Special markings- decals, after-market parts, dents, scratches, other damage, etc.

If your accessories are stolen the Police will need specific information to identify these items. By taking simple precautions, you can dramatically reduce the risk of vehicle theft or the loss of property from your vehicle.

Websites of Interest

Below you will find some excellent Canadian websites – with further detailed information on how to secure your vehicle and prevent theft as much as possible.

If you would like further assistance to discuss safety and security on your vehicle, please contact Nelson Police Department Victim Services at 250-505-5657 or visit the website at www.nelsonpolice.ca