As people return to the workplace, post-secondary students resume in-person learning, and more things open up, parking lots are once again full of vehicles that are left unattended for hours at a time. During Auto Crime Enforcement Month, the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT), Government of B.C., and ICBC, are reminding people to Be Car Smart when it comes to their vehicles.
“This year we are encouraging vehicle owners to ‘Be Car Smart’ by taking the extra steps and necessary precautions to make sure their vehicles are locked, secured and unattractive targets for auto crime offenders,” states Inspector Rob Vermeulen, Officer in Charge of IMPACT.
In British Columbia, a vehicle is broken into every 12 minutes and a vehicle is stolen every 63 minutes. Our theme this year encourages vehicle owners to Be Car Smart by taking the right steps in securing your vehicle and making sure it isn’t a target for auto crime.
“Anyone who has been a victim of auto crime knows how upsetting and very inconvenient it is. When you park, take a few simple precautions to deter thieves: lock your vehicle, keep your keys with you at all times, remove valuables and park in well-lit areas whenever possible,” states Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s Vice-President Customer Experience & Public Affairs, “Taking action to prevent auto crime makes our communities and roads safer for everyone.”
When you park your vehicle, do you:
• Lock your vehicle?
• Remove or hide all valuables and belongings?
• Ensure the keys are with you and not left in vehicle?
• Park in a well-lit, high traffic area?
• Use an immobilizer?
• Remove any garage door openers?
For more information on IMPACT, prevention tips, and a list of Wanted Auto Crime Offenders in B.C., visit www.baitcar.com
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