Group launches campaign to reduce number of ‘crimes of opportunity’

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — A new campaign by a criminal watch organization has been launched to prevent thefts from occurring during the holiday season.

The South Peace District Crime Prevention Association (SPDCPA) launched a theft prevention campaign on Wednesday, December 9th to prevent “crimes of opportunity,” according to the organization’s president.

John Vetter said the SPDCPA started in the mid-1990s and is a non-profit organization with ‘citizens on patrol’ units in Dawson Creek, Chetwynd and Moberly Lake, along with Dawson Creek and District Rural Crime Watch under its umbrella.

It is a member of the BC Crime Prevention Association and has a non-voting position with the Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association.

“Typically we work with the local RCMP both here in Dawson Creek and in Chetwynd,” Vetter told Energeticcity.ca. “[What we are trying to prevent is] crimes of opportunity. [This time of year] people run in to grab a quick coffee or pay for their gas and leave the vehicle running with keys in it.

“[Potential thieves] can just take whatever valuables they see on the front seat.”

A press release from the SPDCPA recommends several tips to stay vigilant during the Christmas season, including locking your vehicle, keeping your valuables out of sight and parking in well-lit parking spots.

“People with garage door openers make sure that they’re out of sight,” said Vetter. “If somebody does break into your vehicle, they can go through vehicle paperwork, find your address and then have the garage door opener.

“Another is people leaving purses or wallets out on the front seat. That’s something thieves will grab if they can get in your vehicle. If you have a car that was manufactured before 2007, a sterling wheel lock is a good deterrent.”

Vetter urged residents to report any suspicious activity they see to their local RCMP detachment, as the organization “just does not want to see people in our communities fall victim, especially in the holiday season.”

The SPDCPA will provide more information about vehicle theft prevention at its booth at the Dawson Creek Mall at 11000 8th Street on Friday, December 12th and Saturday, December 13th.

It will also be in the mall between December 19th and the 24th during its giftwrapping fundraising campaign.

More details about the SPDCPA can be found on its Facebook page and website.