Halifax police report surge in vehicle break-ins

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

Police in Halifax are warning of increased thefts from vehicles across the municipality so far this year.

On Thursday, police reported a man was arrested and charged early Thursday morning after allegedly breaking into a secure garage on Tower Road and rummaging through several vehicles.

And from what officials say, it sounds like that kind of crime is rising in Halifax.

According to police, between January and May of this year, officers responded to 584 reports of thefts from vehicles.

January saw 141 incidents, February 76, and those numbers steadily rose over the following months, with May seeing 158 reports of thefts from vehicles.

Other crime stories:

• Man faces multiple charges after break-and-enter in Halifax’s south end
• Woman who spent 16 days in ‘dry cell’ confinement settles civil lawsuit
• Police respond to stabbing and lay attempted murder charge

Police say these are usually crimes of opportunity that can be prevented.

Some tips include making sure the vehicle is locked at all times, not leaving valuables in the car—especially not where they can be seen from outside—and trying to park in well-lit, well-travelled areas.

Anyone who has had their vehicle broken into is asked to report it to police quickly, particularly if a licence plate or government ID has been stolen.