HRP caution residents to threat of vehicle break-ins

Halifax Regional Police (HRP) are reminding people not to leave valuables in parked vehicles as break-ins remain high.

Residents have taken to social media, cautioning neighbours of people lurking in the streets, snooping around vehicles.

In light of the rise in complaints, HRP cautions that vehicle break ins can happen anywhere, whether parked in a driveway, parkade, parking lot or on the street.

On Friday, RCMP shared information about a vehicle stole from Colchester County which had the owner’s Bernese Mountain dog inside. The vehicle and dog have since been found and returned.

“Following a few simple steps may make your vehicle less attractive to would-be thieves,” HRP wrote in a post on X. Those steps include:

• Always lock your vehicle, even when in the driveway or garage;
• Take your wallet/purse when you leave your vehicle;
• Never leave valuables in the car;
• Don’t leave the garage opener in your car;
• Consider leaving lights or motion sensors on during the night; and
• Be mindful of starting your vehicle and leaving it unattended.

“We encourage anyone who has had property stolen from their vehicle to report it to police by calling 902-490-5016 or at our online crime reporting site. If your license plate or government identification is stolen, report it to police immediately.”

Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at http://crimestoppers.ns.ca or by using the P3 Tips app.