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RCMP caution against car theft

Last weekend the RCMP received reports of five motor vehicle break-ins. These took place at the beach parking lots and in underground parking lots around Whistler.

Last weekend the RCMP received reports of five motor vehicle break-ins. These took place at the beach parking lots and in underground parking lots around Whistler.

The suspect or suspects are using slim jims, punching the locks, or taking advantage of people who don’t secure windows and doors properly. Among the items stolen from vehicles include CDs, backpacks, cash, credit cards, driver’s licenses, plane tickets, passports and a leather jacket.

According to the RCMP, car break-ins are common this time of year as people leave their cars for extended periods of time.

Never leave anything valuable in your car, advises community policing officer Carmen Magnusson. Put everything, even your loose change, in the trunk and lock it.

"Most of these people left things like bags in the car, which is what the thieves are looking for. Don’t leave anything visible," Magnusson said.

Although it’s unusual for thieves to use slim jims and to punch locks, it’s becoming more common. If you leave something valuable in the car in plain view, thieves are going to make an attempt whether your vehicle is locked or not.

Car alarms and car theft devices like The Club are a good deterrent, but Magnusson also recommends parking your vehicle in a brightly lit area around people if possible.