OPP reminding drivers to Lock It or Lose It

OPP News Release

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Orillia – With extreme cold weather conditions putting Ontario into a deep freeze, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) are again reminding drivers to Lock It or Lose It.

Developed in partnership with IBC, the goal of this proactive crime prevention program is to encourage drivers to take a few simple precautions to help protect them and their vehicles from opportunistic criminals.

As the winter months continue, you may notice OPP officers and community volunteers across the province checking vehicles in parking lots to see if drivers are practicing a few common sense tips: don’t leave valuables in plain view; always lock your car; protect your keys; don’t hide spare keys where you think thieves can’t find them (they can); and most importantly, never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running!

Drivers who have not followed these simple rules, and are fortunate to not have had their vehicle stolen, may find a Lock It or Lose It notice under their windshield wiper that reminds them to better secure their vehicle next time.

“An unlocked door is an invitation to thieves” explains Inspector Mark Allen, OPP Crime Prevention Section. “Along with the cold weather and holiday season, incidents where our officers are finding vehicles left unlocked and/or even left idling become even more common. While some municipalities provide by-laws in support of auto theft prevention, neglectful drivers may also be fined under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act for failing to take precaution against their vehicle being set in motion.”

“In 2007, 146,142 vehicles were stolen in Canada costing Canadian insurers $542 million. That averages out to $35 per auto insurance policy,” 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. 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.”

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!”

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