Constable Ray Yelle leaves a reminder on the windshield of a car he found unlocked at Northgate Square Friday. Photo by Jeff Turl.
A North Bay Police blitz of area parking lots appears to show that North Bay motorists still need a reminder to “Lock it or lose it”.
As part of Crime Prevention Week, the operation has officers checking cars to see if they are locked, and valuables placed out of sight.
Of 200 checked, nine vehicles were unlocked, including one belonging to Jeff Hewitt of London, Ontario.
“It surprised me that he (officer) locked my door but it was good because I did leave my CD’s out and if anybody did see them they’d probably run off with them. So what he’s doing is a good thing."
And he says he learned a lesson.
“I didn’t realize I didn’t lock it. I was just going in the mall for a minute.”
Officers leave reminders on the windshield of cars with protection tips.
It’s just not CD’s, your GPS or loose change that may go missing.
You could clearly see through the windows of one car that it had its glove box open with a document from Service Ontario that may have contained personal information, and unopened mail on the seat showing the name and address of the owner.
Combined with the license plate in plain view, it could add up to identity theft.
“People involved with identity theft will take little pieces of information from different sources and put it together to try and assume your identity, or get some false documents drawn up,” said Constable Ray Yelle who was busy checking cars.
“Thieves will take all those pieces of information, and it doesn’t take much sometimes, then use it for criminal activity.”
The goal of the Lock it or lose it 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 so drivers should always:
- Roll up their vehicles’ windows;
- Keep valuables out of sight;
- Lock their doors; and
- Pocket their keys.locked doors were sinply locked and closed.
- Editor's note: At no time during the operation did officers enter or search vehicles. Unlocked doors were simply locked and closed.
