For many of us, Black Friday signals the start of the holiday shopping season. And transit is a great way to get to shopping destinations. From some of BC’s biggest shopping malls, to seasonal markets, to one-of-a-kind artisanal stores, the perfect gift for someone special on your list can be found along a transit route.
If you’ll be using transit this holiday season, Transit Police has five tips to help keep your belongings safe.
- Consider using unmarked, reusable bags instead of those provided by stores, which signal to would-be thieves that they contain a new purchase.
- Don’t stand near doorways with your electronic device. Don’t fall victim to the “grab and run”. If you’re not using it, keep your phone in a zippered bag or pocket.
- Keep your backpack closed and at your feet, and not at your back. When seated, keep your backpack, purse and purchases on your lap and not on the seat beside you. Make it harder for someone to remove something from your bag without you being aware.
- Double check that you have all of your items before exiting a transit vehicle. If you leave an item behind, alert transit staff as soon as possible. File a report with the TransLink Lost Property Office.
- When parking at a Park and Ride, take your valuables with you. Place other items, like purchases, into your trunk and out of sight. Lock your car.
You can also help us keep your fellow transit users safe as well. Report items they may have left behind to transit staff. If you see a theft take place, call 911. If you have information about a crime on transit, call 604.515.8300 or text 87.77.77 and someone will reply right away. To report crime anonymously, contact Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477
