Hamilton police warn Mountain residents as thefts from inside cars spikes

Police are urging drivers to lock up and keep valuables out of sight following a spike in thefts from vehicles on Hamilton Mountain.

Hamilton police say overall vehicle thefts are down this year, but break-ins on the Mountain area are up 27 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Many of the incidents are crimes of opportunity, with suspects walking through neighbourhoods and checking door handles for unlocked cars.

Police are reminding residents to remove valuables, take garage door openers with them and always lock their vehicles.

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