March busy month for car thieves

The Vancouver Police Department said it has received 55 reports of stolen vehicles in the first three weeks of March, with more than 40 percent of the stolen cars being 1990- to 2000-vintage Honda Accords and Honda Civics.

Most of the thefts were from apartment complex parking lots, the police said, but the reports have been citywide and not concentrated on any one area.

The thefts primarily occurred in the early morning, from 12:30 to 5:30 a.m., the police said.

Vancouver police spokeswoman Kim Kapp said March’s number of car thefts is slightly above average as the department’s crime analysts count them, and added those model cars often top the list for most-targeted.

The Vancouver Police Department reminded motorists, especially drivers of older-model Honda, to take steps to protect their vehicles:

• Always lock the doors and ensure the windows are rolled up.

• Never leave keys inside the vehicle, and avoid using hidden outer key holders.

• Park in well-lit areas where passers-by are more frequent.

• Consider getting an alarm system or steering wheel lock device.

• Never leave valuables inside a vehicle.

The department added residents should watch out for suspicious activity — such as people walking through parking lots, looking in car windows and trying door handles — and call 911 immediately to report it.