LOCK IT OR LOSE IT
A professional can steal your vehicle in just 30 seconds – without the key. For the next few weeks The West Grey Police Service in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and Insurance Bureau of Canada will be encouraging citizens to “Lock It or Lose It.” The goal of the proactive crime prevention program is to encourage drivers to take a few simple precautions that will protect their vehicles from theft.
An unlocked door or an open window is an invitation to thieves. The “Lock It or Lose It” program will remind drivers to always:
– Roll up their vehicles’ windows
– Keep valuables out of sight, especially during the Christmas shopping season when we can anticipate an increase from vehicles
– Lock their doors;
– Pocket their keys
As part of this program West Grey Police officers will check vehicles parked in a variety of locations to confirm that they are locked and that no valuables have been left in plain view. A small notice will be placed on every vehicle checked indicating what safety precautions were neglected and offers a few simple prevention tips drivers can use to protect their vehicles against theft.
Auto theft costs Canadians over $1 billion dollars a year. About half of the stolen vehicles are used to commit another crime or are driven (often recklessly) for simple purposes of transportation. Thieves are often amateurs who take advantage of owner negligence by grabbing the first vehicle they can find that’s been unsecured. With the Christmas shopping season commencing shortly we anticipate an increase in the theft from vehicles.
The key to protecting your vehicle is in your hands. Keep yourself from becoming an easy target by properly securing your vehicle.