Volunteers from the Community Policing Office (CPO) were on hand inspecting vehicles in Merritt’s downtown this past Wednesday looking for those that present an opportunity for crime.
The event was the CPO’s third annual crime prevention blitz, and was located at Spirit Square between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The volunteers posted crime prevention notices that provide tips to car owners on how to better protect themselves.
Volunteers will be checking for items that are on ICBC’s “Top 10 items stolen from vehicles” list from 2012. This includes, but is not limited to smartphones, personal electronics, work tools, credit cards and identification, stereo equipment, cash and change, car parts and accessories, garage door openers, sunglasses and keys.
The CPO also invited some community prevention awareness and education partners to set up tables or booths to promote their programs and distribute information. Programs that were in attendance included: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Robin HoodSecurity, Speed Watch, Crime Stoppers, Victim Services, Smart Step Youth Association and Block Watch.
There was also a contest where participants were entered to win anti-theft type devices for their vehicles.
Additionally, the CPO and Smart Step Youth Association will be unveiling the community piano that will spend the summer in Spirit Square for public use.
This event is part of the CPO’s goal of increasing positive usage of Spirit Square by following CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principals.
