A slew of recent car break-ins around the West Island prove that auto-related thefts are on the rise. On August 22nd, footage out of Kirkland shows three suspects attempting to open a parked car’s door with a backpack in tow and then fleeing the scene when the attempt was unsuccessful.
According to a letter from a building manager in Pointe-Claire, at a joint garage off Brunswick an individual entered the scene and checked to see if any car doors had been left unlocked, proceeding to break the windows of two vehicles while three other cars had some of their contents stolen. Another entire vehicle was taken from the scene.
The last video, captured on August 17th, shows two cars parked outside of a Dorval home when a suspect checks the doors of both vehicles and enters the unlocked car to rummage through its contents and search for valuables. Money and electronic accessories were stolen. According to police, certain cars, such as BMWs, are targeted, and suspects will come close enough to the home to clone the key and unlock the doors.
Some anti-theft tips for motor vehicles, according to the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), include:
Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
Always lock the doors and close the windows, even if you leave your vehicle for a few moments, i.e., to pay at a gas station.
Only leave your keys with people you know (valet, parking employee, etc.)
Engrave ID into the windows and major parts of your vehicle
Do not leave any documents with your address in your vehicle to prevent theft at your residence.
Use an anti-theft immobilizer, steering wheel lock, alarm, or tracking system.
Never leave your vehicle unattended while the engine is running, even for a few minutes.
Some anti-theft devices include:
Ignition or fuel kill switches
Steering wheel, gearshift, and hood locks,
Steering column collar,
An electric alarm.
SOURCE: SPVM, Halton Regional Police Service.
