Vancouver Police are asking the public to watch their belongings after officers recognized a trend in the theft of unattended personal items.
Although Vancouverites have experienced an overall decrease in crime over the last decade, a concerning trend has developed in one category: thieves are preying on those not keeping a close eye on their belongings. The most commonly stolen items include wallets, purses, cell phones and bicycles.
Thefts of wallets, purses and cell phones continue to rise as owners leave items unattended in libraries, coffee shops, night clubs, mall food courts and parks. Bicycle thefts have also risen, up 19% in 2012, 11% in 2013 and up almost 13% in 2014, compared to the same time last year.
Beginning September 23rd, the Vancouver Police will be partnering with businesses in the community to remind the public to record their serial numbers and protect their property.
“Who’s watching it…when you’re not?” says Deputy Chief Adam Palmer of the Vancouver Police Department. ‘If you don’t watch your personal property, a thief might.”
