That toonie glistening in your car's open ashtray is enough of an incentive for thieves to break in to your vehicle.
This is the warning put out by Saanich police after a rash of thefts from autos in the municipality in the last two weeks.
Since Dec. 25, police have received 19 reports of cars being broken in to, with loose change typically being the target item to steal.
"The majority of items that have been reported missing, in most circumstances, is loose change. We're ranging anywhere from $2 in change right up to $25, $30," said Sgt. Steve Eassie, the department's public information officer. "There have been a number of other items taken, as well, and that includes car stereos, iPods, GPS devices – pretty much anything small that can be concealed easily."
The thefts occurred in a variety of locations around the municipality – from Cordova Bay all the way south to the Saanich-Victoria border.
Eassie says most of the vehicles targeted were left unlocked overnight, but some cases have been locks damaged to gain entry.
He advises residents to be aware of people in their neighbourhoods, and to report anyone suspicious or out of place to call police.
As well, vehicle owners are advised to not leave anything of value in your vehicle – especially in plain sight, and to ensure car doors are locked when parked.
Police are asking anyone with information on any of these incidents to call 250-475-4321.
kslavin@saanichnews.com