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Rash of thefts from vehicles in Cache Creek prompts police warning

A dozen thefts were reported on May 23 and 24, with unlocked cars making it easy for the culprit.
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If you leave your car unlocked, thieves don’t even have to break in. Make sure you lock your vehicle when it is unattended. Stock image

A rash of thefts from vehicles in Cache Creek has prompted the Ashcroft RCMP to remind people to lock their cars. Detachment commander Sgt. Kathleen Thain says that they received reports of a dozen cars that had had items stolen from them, and that a common theme was that the vehicles were unlocked.

The thefts occurred in the area around Semlin Drive and McLean Drive between May 23 and 24. Thain says that among the things taken were loose change, identification papers, wallets, and small electronic items.

While these types of thefts are often a crime of opportunity, or carried out by youth, Thain says that the lack of fingerprints would seem to indicate that the person or persons wore gloves, making it likely that they were carried out methodically. The RCMP have spoken with two people whose names were brought forward, but have not confirmed that they are the people police need to talk to.

“We are actively investigating, but there are no active witnesses or suspects at this time,” says Thain. She adds that residents of the area have been made very aware of the incidents.

In addition to locking your vehicle at all times when it is not occupied, Thain says that there are a few more tips to keep your car, and items within it, safe. These include double-checking to make sure all the doors are locked; not leaving valuables in your vehicle; and parking your car near a brightly-lit area after dark.

She also notes that with more transients coming through the area now that summer is almost here, crimes of opportunity might become more frequent; and not just from vehicles. “Some people live in the bush, then will come into town, cause a rash of thefts, and head back into the bush,” says Thain. “A lot of people are moving north, south, east, and west, especially in Cache Creek, with two major highways.”

She cautions homeowners to protect their houses by not leaving garage doors wide open, or doors and windows at the front of the house unlocked or open while they are in the back yard. “There will be crimes of opportunity, if the opportunity presents itself, because people will take it.”