Nanaimo RCMP are urging residents to not fall victim to ‘crimes of opportunity’ through neglectful actions.
They say two crimes they often see an uptick in around this time of year are people idling unlocked cars to warm up in cold weather and leaving packages unattended on porches.
Police say these are “thefts waiting to happen” and can be easily prevented.
This week, on November 26th, a local man reportedly got a rude awakening when his vehicle was stolen because he was warming it up and left it unlocked.
Police say when this man returned, his vehicle was gone, as were some power tools and his wallet.
The vehicle, tools and wallet have still not been recovered.
“As we say in the business: Lock it or Loose it,” wrote a Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson.
As for the crime of opportunity centred around stealing packages left unattended at people’s front doors, Nanaimo RCMP say it is well known that thieves will follow courier vans and watch while packages are dropped off. If packages are not picked up within minutes, the thieves move in to steal the parcel.
“To prevent a theft of delivered packages, arrange to have a trusted neighbor pick it up,” said Nanaimo RCMP.
“If possible, have it delivered to your work place or tell the courier service that you will pick it up at their warehouse.”
Police want to see less preventable crime taking place this holiday season, and if people can avoid falling victim to these two crimes of opportunity, this goal may be accomplished.
