(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Although the vast majority of vehicle owners do secure their vehicle and remove the ignition key there still are a number of Huron County residents that haven’t changed their ways. Just this morning, a Clinton resident from High Street woke up and while she was having her morning coffee she realized her black, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser was no longer parked in her driveway.
Upon speaking with the owner officers determined the vehicle had been stolen sometime between 10:30 p.m. on September 15th and 7:00 a.m. this morning. This vehicle was left insecure with the ignition key left in the cup holder.
Over the last two months (since July 16, 2015) Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers have investigated 13 stolen vehicles throughout the county. Although this latest pickup truck theft occurred in a town, officers have noted many of these stolen vehicles have been stolen from our rural areas. In at least one case a pickup truck was stolen while a farmer was working in a nearby field.
Six (6) Pickup Trucks, five (5) Cars and three (3) All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have been stolen during this time. 8 of these vehicles were left insecure with the ignition key easily accessible inside the vehicle.
“Locking vehicle doors and taking the ignition key out of the vehicle is such a simple thing we can all do. This basic task should be automatic for everyone. Crime prevention really should be on everyone’s mind, we urge you to take some personal responsibility when it comes to protecting your own property”.
– Huron County OPP Detective Sergeant Mike McCabe.
Huron County OPP officers would like to remind everyone to “Protect Your Property”. Remember, a thief can steal your vehicle in less than 30 seconds. A vehicle with an unlocked door or an open window is an easy target. Protect your vehicle and valuables from theft.
Always roll up your vehicle’s windows
Lock the doors and pocket the keys when you park your car.
Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
If you have a garage, use it and lock the garage door as well as your vehicle.
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running
Never leave valuable objects or packages in full view.
Watch out for suspicious people or activity in your neighbourhood. Call police immediately, don’t delay; your information may help solve a crime.
Any person with information regarding this stolen vehicle occurrence or any other should immediately contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.