Shawnigan sees spike in theft from vehicles
Shawnigan Lake Mounties are asking for assistance — and urging vigilance — after a thief broke into a man’s truck, then used the stolen garage-door opener to break into his house and continue the crime spree.
The incident began at the carpool lot at Frayne Road and the Trans-Canada Highway on Wednesday.
“The owner returned to the lot (at 5:20 p.m.) to find his unlocked truck had been rummaged through, with the ignition punched and his registration and garage-door opener gone,” Shawnigan Lake RCMP Sgt. Rob Webb said.
“The owner then learned that his residence nearby had been broken into, and numerous items stolen.”
Investigation of the incident is ongoing, and police ask anyone with information on the theft, or who noticed anything suspicious at the lot or the house between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sept. 21, to contact the detachment (250-743-5514).
“This is a grave invasion of these folks’ privacy,” Webb said.
“We typically do not have these types of crimes in the area. We have noticed a spike in reported thefts from vehicles in the past couple of weeks, however, nothing involving residences being connected.”
Police are working with neighbouring detachments and the nearby Regional Crime Unit on these property crime investigations.
“RCMP are asking citizens to continue to be vigilant in reporting suspicious persons and/or activity,” Webb added. “Please continue to secure valuables and keep them out of sight, and always lock your vehicle.”
Anonymous tips can be called in through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-665-8477.
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