Officers have seen an increase in reports of thefts from vehicles parked in personal driveways in Winnipeg, said police on Tuesday.

A total of 21 reports have come in since September, all from driveways, all where garage door openers were taken out and used to access the garage or home to steal further items, including bikes and tools.

Some vehicles had been left unlocked, while in others the windows were smashed to gain access, said police.

The robberies took place in River Park South and Island Lakes area.

Winnipeg police released a number of tips to help curb thefts, including:

  • Avoid having your vehicle concealed by larger vehicles, fences or foliage
  • Keep windows closed and doors locked
  • Don’t forget to activate your vehicle alarm, if you have one
  • Keep your stuff out of sight – either with you or in a locked trunk. Don’t count on the glove box; thieves know to look there, and they’re easy to break into
  • Remember not to leave you garage door remote inside your vehicle

- with a report from Alesia Fieldberg