SURREY RCMP are recommending that owners/drivers take extra precautions after seeing an increase in the number of work vans being stolen.
Through the month of October, Surrey RCMP received 31 reports of work vans containing tools stolen from locations throughout the city. October showed a marked increase from previous months where thefts of work vans ranged from 14 to 19.
Work van thefts are not unique to Surrey; it is a trend being seen throughout the Lower Mainland, police say.
Surrey RCMP Auto Crime Target Team (ACTT) is actively investigating and working to identify suspects in these thefts. Investigators are following up on several leads, and are asking the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to police.
In addition, Surrey RCMP are recommending the following safeguards to protect your work vans and tools, including:
* Have an audible alarm system on the vehicle;
* When possible park in secure areas such as a garage, or fenced property;
* Utilize an anti-theft device such as a steering wheel lock;
* Install GPS units to track your vehicle should it be stolen;
* Park where there is video surveillance;
* Remove valuable items from the vehicle; and
* Keep a catalog, including serial numbers, of all tools in your work van.
Tools are very generic in appearance, which makes them challenging to identify ownership when police locate them. It is important to keep a catalog of tools including their serial numbers and/or ensure that they have distinguishable engravings, not easily removable by criminals. Taking these steps increases the likelihood of having your tools returned in the event they are lost or stolen, police say.
In September, tools were stolen from a work van in Vancouver and later located in Surrey and Delta at three different locations. Despite the tools being located in different jurisdictions by different agencies they were returned to their rightful owner as they all had identifiable markings.
“Having your vehicle stolen is an inconvenience, but when it contains tools used to make a living, it can have a lasting impact on a person’s livelihood,” said Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer Cpl. Vanessa Munn. “As our investigators work to identify the persons responsible for these crimes, we want members of the public to take extra steps to safeguard their belongings.”
Find more information on preventing auto crime on the Surrey RCMP website, or sign up to receive monthly crime maps and quarterly crime statistics through eNews.
