The Fort St John RCMP say they received 7 reports on Monday of vehicles being rummaged through, after they were left unlocked overnight.
Police officers went door-to-door to try to get video surveillance as well as to determine if additional vehicles were entered.
The Fort St John RCMP want to remind the public that locking their vehicles while unattended is the easiest way to protect your vehicle and your belongings.
“Breaking into an unlocked vehicle to steal potential valuables, such as wallets containing money, bank or credit cards and ID, or tablets, laptops and expensive tools is a crime of opportunity,” said Corporal Rebecca Bojczuk, Fort St John RCMP.
Police say the loss of bank or credit cards can lead to fraudulent charges to your accounts, while the loss of your ID can lead to identity fraud.
Mounties also said that the loss of a garage door opener can lead to an unwanted break and enter. Stolen tablets, laptops and tools may be irreplaceable due to the personal content and the expensive value. Locking your vehicle protects you from more than a pair of sunglasses getting stolen.
“We, the RCMP, are asking the public, please, lock your vehicle any time you leave it unattended,” said Bojczuk.
The BC Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) contains provisions for issuing the owner of a vehicle a violation ticket for leaving their vehicle unsecure with a penalty amount.