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Theft from autos spike in Delta

Calls to Delta police doubled in the past week
Delta police file
Theft from autos have doubled in the past week throughout Delta, prompting a warning message from Delta police.

Remove it or lose it. That’s the message from Delta police after seeing a significant spike in thefts from auto throughout Delta this week.

“This is a spike that we have noticed in the last week where thefts from auto have suddenly doubled,” said DPD public affairs coordinator Cris Leykauf. “One of our theories is that we now have nicer weather and one of our officers witnessed, for example, driving down 84th Ave. on Monday and saw a dozen cars with their windows down, some of which people had left valuables of some sort or another on the car seats.

“It could be something as simple as a parent picking up their kids from school and if you are going to do that you can’t leave your purse or sunglasses in plain sight especially with your window down. It creates an opportunity.”
Leykauf said incidents have been reported in Tilbury, Annacis Island, Tsawwassen Commons Mall, Ladner and North Delta.

“It truly is Delta wide,” she said. “In almost all of these cases the vehicles were left unlocked and valuables were left wide open. As we move into the summer months, please remember to protect your property. We recommend that you do not leave valuables in your car whether the car is locked or unlocked.

“Although there are wonderful small town elements of Delta, unfortunately you have to take precautions against losing your valuables.”

If you have been a victim of theft from auto, call the non-emergency line at 604-946-4411 to report.