Richmond is streets ahead in B.C. when it comes to driving down auto-related crime.
Figures released by ICBC at the end of Crime Prevention Week, show that, in the first half of 2012, there were 32 per cent less vehicle thefts in Richmond compared to last year.
In B.C., that number was also down, but only by 17 per cent.
While thefts from vehicles (break-ins for valuables) were also reduced way ahead of the provincial reduction, down 17 per cent in Richmond compared with four per cent in B.C.
ICBC also reported that Richmond enjoyed a 76 per cent drop in vehicle thefts and 44 per cent fewer break-ins since the Bait Car program was introduced in 2003.
According to ICBC, a decade ago auto crime was on the rise and British Columbia had one of the highest rates of car theft in North America.
But since the Bait Car program arrived on the scene in 2002, vehicle crime has plummeted across the province.
ICBC invests in auto crime prevention because its the right thing to do, said Fiona Temple, ICBCs director of road safety.
Every theft we help prevent keeps someone from becoming the victim of auto crime and, in turn, makes our roads and communities safer.
Auto crime is still a problem however, and thieves look for easy targets.
If you own an older vehicle, there is a higher risk of it being stolen or broken into as older vehicles often dont have an effective anti-theft device and are easy to steal.
Here are some tips from ICBC to help you protect your vehicle and belongings:
- Use an anti-theft device and remove possessions from your vehicle shopping bags, spare change, electronics, briefcases and the vehicles spare keys.
- Electronic immobilizers are the best protection. Theyre hard-wired into vehicles and shut down the starter, ignition and/or fuel system. They require a special key or electronic device to start the engine and usually attach to your key ring.
- Steering-wheel locks are a good visual deterrent for auto thieves, but offer a lower form of protection.
- Park in well-lit areas, near pedestrian traffic.
- Keep your garage-door opener out of sight. If parking on the street outside your residence, take the garage-door opener with you.
- Wait for the garage-door gate to close behind you when entering a parkade. Thieves could take this opportunity to slip inside.
