Halifax sees spike in vehicle break-ins

Halifax police say there is an uptick in thefts from vehicles.

Thefts from vehicles are on the rise in Halifax and police are advising the public to remove valuables and lock their cars.

“We’ve had 584 reported vehicle break-ins since January,” said Const. Martin Cromwell, public information officer with the Halifax Regional Police.

According to the HRP, the monthly reports of vehicle break-ins are as follows:

• January:141
• February: 76
• March: 92
• April: 117
• May: 158

Police say these are “crimes of opportunity” and encourage drivers to protect themselves from theft by always locking your vehicle and making sure you don’t leave any valuables in plain sight in your car, like a purse, wallet, or bag.

They are urging anyone who has had their car broken into, to report it as soon as possible and advise anyone who may witness any suspicious activity to report it as well.

That’s what happened on Thursday, when Halifax police say someone spotted a man acting suspicious in an underground parking garage in the city’s South End at apartment complex on Tower Road.

Police were able to respond and arrest the male suspect nearby and stolen property was recovered.

Residents are being encouraged to protect themselves by adding security measures to their homes.

That’s what Halifax resident John Van Gurp has done.

He’s had his car broken into before but he’s since taken measures to deter thefts from his property by installing a security camera and motion-sensor lights.

Earlier this week that security Van Gurp installed captured an attempted break-in of his car late at night.

He shared the video to a neighborhood Facebook page, but the would-be thief didn’t get far when he discovered the door was locked.

“It happens every four or five months,” said Van Gurp, who’s security camera software sends his phone a message whenever someone is detected walking up his laneway.

Van Gurp wasn’t overly concerned by the trespasser but wanted to share the video as a heads up.

“It doesn’t hurt for people to be aware,” he said.