A significant increase in the number of vehicle thefts in Ontario has prompted local police to remind us that North Bay isn't immune to the problem,
"While most of the thefts have occurred in the GTA, and involve highly organized criminal organizations, some work individually, or on a smaller scale, and our location in North Bay does not make us immune from this lucrative crime," writes Constable Merv Shantz in a news release. "Also, as police services in bigger centres begin to crack down on these criminal organizations, it is likely that they will begin to fan out into other jurisdictions."
“The North Bay Police Service has recently implemented Automatic Licence Plate Readers in all of our patrol vehicles, which will help our officers detect and locate stolen vehicles from across Ontario that are in our area," says Inspector Jeff Warner. "Our officers will be using the new technology as another tool to help locate stolen vehicles, arrest offenders and bring them before the courts to help reduce vehicle theft across the province."
The growing problem has added $130 a year to the average Ontario driver's auto insurance, with extra surcharges for drivers who own cars and trucks that are sought-after by thieves.
"This problem has turned into a crisis, and all levels of government need to work together to get a handle on it," Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner wrote in a Feb. 6 letter to federal Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
See: Gone for good: over 50 vehicles a day stolen in Ontario
York Regional Police have gone so far as to give away more than 24,000 Faraday bags, used to block the signal-duplicating devices that replicate key fobs, under York Police's Operation Auto Guard initiative.
There are some common-sense ways to reduce the chances that your vehicle may get stolen.
- Always keep your vehicle secure, with windows up and doors locked
- Never leave your keys in your vehicle when it is unattended
- Never leave your vehicle running when unattended
- Consider purchasing an anti-theft device
- If you are looking at purchasing a new vehicle, consider one with anti-theft technology built-in
- Increase lighting in areas of your property where your vehicle is parked
- Have good-quality CCTV cameras installed around your vehicle
- For vehicles equipped with push-button start, store keyless entry fobs away from the front door of your home.
- Consider purchasing a Faraday pouch for keyless entry systems – this will block electromagnetic fields emitted, giving an extra layer of security
- When traveling, choose a hotel with a secure, monitored parking area
"Above all else, your own safety is paramount, vehicles can be replaced, you can’t. If your vehicle is being stolen, call police, don’t resist, as some thieves may resort to violence to steal vehicles," says Shantz.
