Richmond RCMP is warning that vehicle contents are being aggressively targeted by thieves.

Over the past month, we have recorded 169 thefts from vehicles.  The most prominent items stolen were purses, bags, backpacks, and their contents.

The most reported locations were:

  • Aberdeen Mall located at 4151 Hazelbridge Way
  • President’s Plaza located at 8181 Cambie Road
  • Various locations along Alexandra Road

“It only takes a moment to break into a vehicle. Thieves are attracted to these areas because of opportunity. We are asking people to help by removing that opportunity. If there is nothing to see, there is nothing to steal,” says Corporal Dennis Hwang.

“Consider if a thief got a hold of your important identity documents, the contents of your wallet, your laptop or tablet with an important business presentation, company intellectual property, or even a final school project or term paper. What about important medications or an irreplaceable photograph of a loved one? Even if you leave your vehicle for a moment, that amount of time is an eternity for a thief to do their work. No matter where you park – whether it be your home, in an underground parking lot, or in front of a restaurant, take a moment and insure your contents are secured out of sight” adds Cpl. Hwang.