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Thieves target batteries

DELTA - Delta Police have noticed an increase in battery theft lately with thieves targeting boats, trailers and recreational vehicles in particular.Thieves are stealing the batteries, from vehicles parked in driveways, for their lead and other metals that can fetch up to $30 per battery at recycling businesses."Currently, there are not the same identification requirements for those recycling batteries as there are when recycling scrap metal," Sgt. Sarah Swallow noted, adding batteries don't usually have serial numbers or other security features."Even if someone is stopped in possession of batteries, it is very hard in the moment to identify that the batteries are stolen," Swallow said. "While the batteries can be seized, criminal charges and the return of the property to its rightful owner can be difficult."Swallow suggests it might be a good idea to mark or engrave your batteries with your name or an identifying number, or remove them from the boat, trailer or vehicle at night."While time consuming in the moment, the financial cost of replacing stolen batteries often impacts you much further beyond the replacement cost of the battery itself," she said.Swallow also advises people to remove their garage door openers from their vehicles when at home."By simply using your garage door opener stolen from your car, thieves can steal thousands of dollars of sporting equipment and potentially access your home."



About the Author: Tom Zytaruk

I write unvarnished opinion columns and unbiased news reports for the Surrey Now-Leader.
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