The holiday season is here and unfortunately so are opportunistic thieves.
The OPP and North Bay police suggest there are a number of ways to make sure that your presents make it to the right person this holiday and do not end up stolen.
Police are encouraging citizens to “Lock It OR Lose It”. A vehicle with an unlocked door or an open window is an easy target.
Here are some crime prevention tips for citizens to ensure their safety and security:
- Always roll up your vehicle’s windows, lock the doors and pocket the key.
- If you have a garage, use it and lock the door as well as your vehicle.
- Keep your vehicle registration certificate/proof of insurance on you at all times.
- Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave valuable objects or packages in full view. Put them in the trunk.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
Under the “Lock It OR Lose It” program, parked vehicles are examined to confirm they are locked and that no valuables have been left in plain view.
A “Lock It OR Lose” notice is placed on every vehicle checked to show what safety precautions were ignored and simple prevention tips are provided which drivers can use to protect their vehicles and valuables from theft.
“We ask everyone to help prevent theft from vehicles in our community by taking the extra few minutes required during the busy holiday season to remove valuables from view, especially new purchases stored in parked vehicles at shopping malls,” said North Bay Police Chief Paul Cook, Service. “Always get in the habit of locking your vehicle wherever it is left unattended and at any time of the year.”
