Submitted. Just before midnight on March 25th, a resident in the 31600 block of Old Yale Road returned home to find someone inside his vehicle which was parked in his driveway. The male noticing the resident immediately exited the vehicle and proceeded to run away.
A short distance away, members of the APD Patrol Division successfully arrested 24 year old Abbotsford resident, Justin Sidon, for Theft Under $5,000 and Possession Of Stolen Property relating to items that were stolen from the vehicle.
Again on March 26th at 8:30 pm, the Abbotsford Police Crime Reduction Unit observed 25 year old Kevin Coell breaking into a vehicle located within the downtown core area of Abbotsford. After a short foot pursuit, Coell was arrested and charged with three counts of Theft Under $5,000, two counts of Possession of Stolen Property, Possess Break-in Instruments, and Breach of Undertaking.
During the first quarter of this year, the APD has seen a seven percent increase in the number of reported theft from auto incidents. This increase, although not significant in nature, is preventable.
Thieves often target the crime of opportunity, noticing valuables left in vehicles that are unattended. Items such as laptops, iPads, cell phones, wallets, and loose change are often targeted by thieves.
Today is the launch of Auto Crime Awareness Month. Residents are encouraged to take a few extra steps in securing their personal belongings before leaving their vehicles. For more information please click here.