Kelowna anti-theft campaign launches social media contest

KELOWNA – Theft is increasing in region and a new campaign is reminding residents to guard against vehicle theft.

The Don’t be an Easy Target campaign, launched by Kelowna RCMP, reminds residents to take simple steps against vehicle theft.

“Police are seeing that nearly half of all thefts committed are from vehicles or homes that were left unlocked or unsecured by their owners. Often times theft is a crime of opportunity, so we are encouraging the public to take that opportunity away,” Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Jesse O’Donaghey says in a release.

The campaign recommends residents remove valuables from vehicles, lock doors and roll up windows and to always report suspicious activity.

Volunteers will be at local events over the summer, starting with Canada Day, giving out cards with a decal to be placed on the windshields of vehicles.

“The window decal is a reminder to the driver and a visual message to any passerby or potential thief, that the vehicle isn’t a target,” O’Donaghey says.

To be entered in a draw to win a $50 gift certificate for a local buisness, post a photo of the Don’t be an Easy Target decal on your vehicle window to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #Kelowna #dontbeaneasytarget. Winners will be drawn biweekly until the fall.

Decals will be handed out at most outdoor events and can be picked up at the Kelowna RCMP detachment.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kim Anderson or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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