(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind the public to always be mindful about leaving valuables behind in unattended vehicles. Although the majority of thefts from vehicles stem from insecure vehicles occasionally thieves do force entry into vehicles to take valuables that are left behind.
Three such occurrences took place in Goderich on Monday, January 25th, 2016 and another took place in Clinton yesterday afternoon. All four incidents are very similar in nature.
Sometime between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. a thief smashed the driver’s side window of a Chevrolet that was parked at a business located on Bayfield Road in Goderich. The thief rummaged through the vehicle and stole loose change from the vehicle.
Shortly thereafter, between 6:40 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. a thief smashed the rear window of a Mercedes that was parked at the YMCA located on Suncoast Drive. The thief entered the vehicle and stole a ladies purse. The purse contained several pieces of identification and credit cards.
Sometime between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. a thief smashed the passenger side window of a Hyundai that was parked at a restaurant located on Huron Road. Once inside the vehicle the thief stole a long, black Garage brand ladies jacket valued at $230.
Yesterday afternoon a thief smashed the passenger side window of a Chevrolet that was parked at a retirement home located on Joseph Street in Clinton. The thief stole a women’s Coach brand purse that contained identification and credit cards.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) are encouraging citizens to “Lock It or Lose It”. The goal of this proactive crime prevention program is to encourage drivers to take a few simple precautions that will protect their vehicles and valuables from theft. An unlocked door or an open window is an invitation to thieves. The “Lock It or Lose It” program reminds drivers to always:
Roll up their vehicles’ windows
Keep valuables out of sight
Lock their doors
Pocket their keys.
The “key” to protecting your vehicle and your valuables is in your hands. Keep yourself from becoming an easy target by properly securing your vehicle and personal property.
Any person with information regarding these incidents 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.