Police have arrested three people in connection with thefts in recent weeks, and early indications suggest that it has eased a recent spike in property crime in Sooke.
RCMP Sgt. Kevin Shaw said two of the individuals were arrested for thefts from vehicles and one in connection to bicycle theft. The three were released from custody on conditions while awaiting their first court appearance.
Property crime, and thefts from vehicles, in particular, increased significantly in January. Police received 26 reports of thefts from vehicles last month compared to two reported in January 2021.
The thefts were a mixture of instances where a vehicle was left unlocked and more brazen cases in which cars were forcibly broken into.
“It has the hallmarks of being very intentional, committed by the same person or group of people because the incidents are happening in spurts,” said Shaw. “Sooke residents, people visiting our community, have unfortunately fallen victim.”
Shaw said the recent crime trends are an opportunity to remind residents to ensure they lock their vehicles when left unattended, parking them in well-lit areas when possible and ensuring all valuables are either removed or hidden well out of sight.
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