Police yesterday reported a recent spike in vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles, saying many people have yet to adopt precautions despite repeated warnings. Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dean said there were 17 cases of stolen vehicles in eastern New Providence in the last week. These incidents predominantly occurred in Fox Hill.

There were also 13 cases of stolen vehicles in South Beach and Carmichael in the last week, Dean said. The vehicles were stolen outside homes. In the majority of these cases, the areas were not well lit, the vehicles had no alarm systems and there were no surveillance cameras, according to Dean.

"That is a concern to us and when it becomes a concern to us we have to put out all of our resources," he said at a press conference at Police Headquarters. Dean said despite repeated warnings and tips on how to limit vehicle theft and break-ins, the public has been slow to adopt these precautions.

"People are still leaving laptops in their vehicles," Dean said. "They are leaving cameras, cash, jewelry, and our ladies are still putting their handbags under the backseat of the car. "It is an invitation, a treat for thieves. You can lock the tire. You can lock the wheel. You need to put alarm systems on. "And you can put security devices that you can monitor your vehicle... if it is stolen."

Dean also warned residents of a trend of vehicle break-ins as parents drop children to school. He said some parents, mainly women, leave their bags in vehicles as they escort their children into school.

Dean said, "Times have changed. I have to be alert when I go home. I don't just walk in my home. I circle... I do a little check and make sure."

When asked how that degree of caution reflects on the crime climate and fear of crime, Dean said crime is a worldwide problem, but repeated that times have changed in The Bahamas. Dean was unable to say offhand how many vehicles have been stolen for 2015.

Though he could not provide data, Dean said police have observed "dips and rises" in certain categories of crime, but insisted that police are more determined than ever to curb crime. He insisted that police cannot fight crime alone and called on the public to do more in this regard.

On Monday, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said the police force is the last bastion of hope against criminals overrunning The Bahamas.

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