Once again, the Huron OPP is reminding motorists and homeowners that the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from crime is to remove valuables from inside a vehicle and lock it!
Last week Huron OPP officers were involved with three fleeing suspects. At some point, each of the three suspects was running from police on foot. Officers who were VERY busy trying to contain the suspects had to spend precious time checking vehicles at rural addresses to ensure the keys were not dangling from ignitions thereby providing a wonderful escape opportunity for the suspects. MANY vehicles were found unlocked and with the keys in the ignition.
We tell people over and over again to lock their vehicles, but in general the community refuses to listen. A professional car thief can get into a locked vehicle and have it started and stolen in less than a minute. Most of the thieves we see however are not pro’s. Most are looking for an easy target and that is the unlocked vehicle with keys inside or valuables left on the seat. Most thieves need quick money for drugs.
While off duty, I see countless people who run into the coffee shop or the variety store and leave their vehicle running. This needs to stop. Take responsibility for your possessions and lock them up.