Two Vancouver men have been arrested for stealing from cars in Richmond.
A 38-year-old and 34-year-old duo were arrested on May 18 after an investigation into a pattern of similar auto-theft related offences in the city.
Richmond RCMP did not name the suspects.
Several vehicles in the Steveston area were broken into and had contents stolen from in the past several months, according to Richmond RCMP.
Many of the vehicles that were broken into were mostly left unlocked, reads a police statement.
Items such as bikes or tools were also stolen from residential garages or homes with adjoining garages by using stolen garage remotes.
“We believe that this duo may be involved with additional crimes beyond the scope of this one and in municipalities outside of Richmond,” said Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, media spokesperson with the Richmond RCMP.
The Richmond News reported earlier this week that the number of car thefts, reported to police, almost doubled in April compared to March of this year.
Richmond RCMP outlined in a city there were 29 incidents of auto thefts in April in a report going to city council.
The public is reminded to not give thieves the opportunity to break into and steal from their vehicles.
- If your vehicle is not equipped with auto-arming door locks, make sure your vehicle is locked and secured when exiting. Thieves will try door handles.
- Garage door remotes should be removed from your vehicle, especially when parked in front of your residence. If a criminal obtains your garage door remote, it is synonymous with leaving your house keys under the welcome mat.
- Leave no valuables in plain sight of your vehicle. If you can see it, so can the criminals. Even if your car is locked, it would take less than 15 seconds to break the glass and to reach in. Nothing to see. Nothing to steal.
- Report any suspicious activity to police immediately.
Any witnesses or information is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or anonymously at Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
-with files from Maria Rantanen
