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THEFTS FROM
automobiles are on the in-
crease in North Vancouver,
according to police.

So the RCMP and ICBC are
joining forces to help prevent loss
with a new program called Lock It,
or Lose It. ,

So far this year, police have
received 1,597 reports of thefts
from vehicles. That’s more than
1,529 from all of 1985 — up 25 per
cent since 1984.

Spokesmen from both organiza-
tions said they are concerned that
losses will continue to climb over
the holiday season, unless residents
take precautions now.

North Vancouver Const. Cliff
Doherty said 43 per cent of the

ise in tl

thefts were from cars that were not
locked.

“Nothing invites theft more
than the tantalizing sight of a
valuable camera, a radar detector
or a wrapped package left out in
plain view,’’ he added.

“Over the year, expensive
stereos and other auto accessories
are main targets for thieves. and
we will mount an Automark pro-
gram early next year to reduce
those losses.

“But for now, if people could at
least lock their cars and put their
Christmas packages in the trunk
we could save a lot of police time,
insurance costs and unhappiness."*

Doherty explained the
Automark program will involve
marking car valuables with a

driver’s licence number.

The Lock It, or Lose ft program
is meant to increase public
awareness. Posters and stickers are
available from the North Van-
couver RCMP detachment. These
are meant to remind motorists to
take simple precautions and lessen
the chance of theft.

Joan Stephens, community pro-
gram manager with ICBC’s Traffic
Safety Education Department, said
safeguarding the valuables inside
your vehicle can be as easy as
removing them from sight or lock-
ing your car or trunk.

She noted personal belongings
stored in vehicles are not covered
by Autoplan Insurance.

However, last year, she said
ICBC paid out $8.6 million on

Holiday *
season
wrapped-up
PAGE 44

Lt gs kee a geil

Lock it
or
lose it

CONST. CLIFF Doherty
(right) of the North Van-
couver RCMP holds some §
posters alerting drivers (o
lock their cars. Joan
Stephens from ICBC and
Jim Munro, manager of
the Lamplighter apart-
ments on Keith Road,
take Doherty’s advice and |

| put a poster in the apart-

NEWS photo Stuart Davis

eft fro:

almost 18,000 claims in B.C. for
theft of car parts and accessories
mainly stereos and sound
equipment.

The following are reminders to
help prevent auto theft.

eAlways secure your vehicle
when you leave it, if only for a few
minutes.

ePlace valuables out of sight —
under the seat or in the trunk.

*Make it tougher for thieves to
gain entry. Inexpensive, smooth,
non-flaring buttons will stop a

Weilc

CURE

Park Royal (gallery level)
Open Sundays 12-5

Gee
erz

ment’s parking lot.

Cars

thief from using a coat hanger to
lif{ door-locking buttons.

*Park in busy, open,
areas.

eAnd finally, make a list of the
equipment in your vehicle com-
plete with model and_ serial
numbers. Keep it in a convenient
spot in your home.

For more information call the
North Vancouver RCMP at 985--
1311 or ICBC’s Traffic Safety
Education Department at 661-
6655.

well-lit

CHRISTMAS
BONUS
SALE!!

Storewide Sale

*

925-2810

=