Despite repeated warnings by local police that drivers should take precautions against theft, breaking into cars is still a popular criminal activity in Westmount.
While police did arrest one man on Oct. 30 in connection with a string of robberies from local vehicles, the problem persists, says Station 12 Constable Adalbert Pimentel.
GPS systems are being stolen from cars more often now, as they are becoming more popular. "It's opportunity," Pimentel said. "(The suspects) sell them on the street and to small stores. There are a few store owners who will take them and sell them."
He also pointed out that breaking into a vehicle is much easier than most people realize. A pebble of ceramic from spark plugs easily spiderwebs tempered glass, and thieves can then shatter the window with an elbow. "It's easily broken with less noise," Pimentel said, adding that thieves often don't have to go to such extremes. "Most people, believe it or not, still don't lock their doors."
Instances of graffiti vandalism in Westmount have been increasing lately, with seven cases reported to Public Security in the week between Oct. 26 and Nov. 1. Both private and municipal property have been targeted, but that may change with a new initiative, says Public Security Captain Richard Bourdon. He announced this week that a graffiti cleaning blitz has started in the city, and said he was expecting Westmount to be virtually graffiti-free in time for Remembrance Day, on Nov. 11.
Authorities on hand for H1N1 vaccinationsBoth Montreal police and Westmount Public Security officers will be on hand throughout operating hours for the additional vaccination centre against the H1N1 flu virus which has been set up in Alexis Nihon Plaza. "We're there to ensure security," said Station 12 Constable Alain Diallo, who pointed out that so far there have been no incidents at the Plaza vaccination centre. "For now, it's been calm," he said.
