ST. BASILE LE GRAND - Police on the South Shore are warning commuters to protect their cars when they park at local train stations.
At least 20 cars at the St. Basile Le Grand and Mont St. Hilaire stations have been stolen this year, while last year only three cars were taken.
"The AMT, the Richelieu-St. Laurent police department want to make sure that that the customers have a secure environment when they leave their car at the station," said Constable Serge Cote.
Police and the AMT have stepped up patrols and the AMT has beefed up the number of security agents working on the South Shore.
Regardless of the spike in crime, many commuters are not worried
"My car could just as easily be stolen in Montreal," said Jean-Marie Colson. "But it's so old no one would want it."
To try to educate drivers about the importance of safety, police will come in to parking lots and check to make sure the doors are locked. If the doors are open they'll leave a notice inside the car which warns the owner he's about to get a ticket in the mail.
Cote says a steering wheel lock or an alarm system helps deter thieves.
In addition, drivers should make "sure that you don't have any objects that can be seen by people out side of the car."
