Over 30 thefts from vehicles reported in Fort St. John in past month, police promote security routine

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Criminals have stolen items from Fort St. John vehicles more than 30 times in the last month. 

In a July 9th press release, the Fort St. John RCMP detachment said they received 32 reports of ‘theft from vehicle’ incidents between June 8th and July 8th. 

The detachment said property thieves are “on the prowl” in the Peace region due to long summer hours, targeting homes and businesses at night.

The RCMP encouraged residents to follow the ‘9 p.m. Routine,’ a checklist property owners should follow before going to sleep. 

“This is a simple security routine where a few minutes of taking some awareness and knowledge and putting it to proactive practice can be the key to stopping would-be thieves and protecting your property,” said Sergeant Jaime Moffat, detachment commander for the Fort St. John RCMP. 

The routine includes removing valuables from the vehicle and locking all house, vehicle, garage and shed doors and windows.

Individuals in seasonal properties or trailers on their property are also encouraged to adopt the routine by using a hitch lock and ensuring its security. 

People can also remove their vehicle batteries when they are not being used to prevent them from being driven away in the middle of the night. 

More tips on preventing auto crime can be found here.

Anyone observing suspicious behaviour is asked to call the Fort St. John RCMP at 250-787-8100.