Thanks to bait cars in Langley, there were 74 per cent fewer vehicle thefts and 68 per cent fewer break-ins in 2013 compared to 2003, when auto crime incidents in B.C. reached an all-time high.
Langley City gained the dubious title of Car Theft Capital of Canada in 2003, when 1,200 vehicles were stolen in the two Langleys.
In both Langleys, there were 1,600 reported thefts from vehicles.
Last year, there were only 530.
However, break-ins to vehicles is on the upswing in places like Walnut Grove right now, warn Langley RCMP.
Police say the items most often stolen from vehicles are: smartphones; other personal electronics like tablets, laptops and GPS units; work tools; credit cards and identification; stereo equipment; cash and change; car parts and accessories; garage door openers; sunglasses; and keys.
Thieves who snatch garage door openers from a vehicle and get the home address from the vehicle registration continues to be a concern.
The overall statistics in the Lower Mainland are even more impressive, with car thefts down 78 per cent.