THUNDER BAY — It may seem obvious to many, but leaving any articles of value in your vehicle overnight could lead to your becoming not just a victim of theft, but a victim of fraud as well.
A Thunder Bay Police spokesperson says vehicle break-ins remain an ongoing and prevalent crime in "all over the city."
Besides the documented reports being filed with police, an increasing number of social media posts are warning residents about sightings of car hoppers, a practice in which individuals go through entire neighbourhoods looking for unlocked cars.
Scott Paradis, media co-ordinator for the Thunder Bay Police Service, says thefts from vehicles are now common in virtually every part of the community.
He advises against trying to conceal items of value under the seat or in the glove box.
"Ultimately, keeping valuables out of your car is probably the best thing you can do...that will ensure they aren't stolen if somebody happens to be in your neighbourhood and is committing these kinds of offences," Paradis said.
He noted that when police receive a report of a theft from a vehicle, it often turns out that the perpetrator was car hopping in a targeted area over a short period of time.
Paradis described as "a really big problem right now " the fact that many people elect to leave their wallet or purse in their vehicle overnight.
"What happens is that if they do become the victim of a car hopper, and they lose a debit card or credit card that has the 'tap' feature, that card will be used overnight, often for small but frequent purchases."
That, in turn, he said, adds to the police investigative workload as a property theft crime now becomes a case of fraud as well.
