(Source: The Columbian)
By Laura McVicker, The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash.
Oct. 18--A rash of car prowls has pounded east Vancouver in the last two months, and police warn that thieves are striking nearly every kind of parking spot -- at all hours of the day.
Since Aug. 31, Vancouver police officers have received reports of more than 146 vehicle prowls in east Vancouver. The thefts are happening outside day care facilities, gyms, schools, restaurants, stores and in residential neighborhoods, according to Vancouver Police spokeswoman Kim Kapp.
By comparison, east Vancouver had less than half the number of vehicles prowls in September 2007 as it did in the same month this year.
Police have noticed a few trends: In the early morning, thieves stake out day care centers and steal valuables while parents are indoors. In the afternoon, prowlers seem to strike large commercial businesses, such as 24-Hour Fitness, Bally's Total Fitness, Chuck-E-Cheese, TGI Friday's and Fred Meyer, Kapp said.
At nighttime, thieves break into cars parked in residential driveways.
Officers are patrolling and investigating the prowls, but Kapp said there's a lot people can do to avoid being victimized, particularly not keeping valuables in plain sight.
"This is primarily a crime of opportunity by the thief," Kapp said in a statement. "Some items stolen were not even hidden. They were sitting on the seat in plain view."
Investigators believe thieves watch people stuff purses under seats or put wallets or electronics in interior compartments. Then, thieves smash a car window, grab the item and leave.
Kapp said people should put valuables in a safe place before parking.
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