Press Release
As the weather heats up and more people are out enjoying the warmth of the spring season, the OPP and Insurance Bureau of Canada are teaming up to remind vehicle owners to “Lock It or Lose It.”
“A professional can steal your vehicle in just 30 seconds–without the key,” said local OPP Community Services Officer Cst. Anne McCoy.
“The goal of the ‘Lock It or Lose It’ crime prevention program is to encourage drivers to take a few simple precautions that will help protect their vehicles and contents from theft,” she added.
This past Saturday, Fort Frances OPP officers responded to a dozen reports of theft from motor vehicles within town.
The incidents took place in the areas of Biddeson Avenue, River Road, and Olde Shambles Road.
Items stolen include loose change, cell phones, and other personal items.
All vehicles had been left unlocked.
Police remind motorists to take the time and follow a few simple rules to help keep your valuables safe:
•don’t leave valuables in plain view;
•always lock your car;
•protect your keys;
•don’t leave the engine running unattended; and
•don’t hide spare keys where you think thieves can’t find them (they can).
Local police officers will be driving the point home with the “Lock it or Lose It” program.
While on patrol, if officers find an insecure vehicle, they may place a “Lock It or Lose It” sticker on the window of the vehicle to remind motorists to better secure their vehicle next time.
In 2007, 146,142 vehicles were stolen in Canada.
“Auto theft costs Canadians more than $1 billion every year,” said Rick Dubin, vice-president, Investigations, IBC.
“About half of all stolen vehicles are used to commit another crime or are driven–often recklessly—for simple purposes of transportation,” he noted. “They are also chopped for parts or exported to foreign countries.
“Thieves take advantage of owner negligence by grabbing the first vehicle they find that’s been left unsecured,” Dubin warned.
The key to protecting your vehicle and its contents is in your hands. Keep yourself from becoming an easy target by properly securing your vehicle.
Remember: “Lock It or Lose It!”
