Lock It Or Lose It

(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recommend that vehicle owners and operators always follow the Auto Theft Protection Tips of the Lock it or Lose it program. This becomes especially important during the holidays which are hectic enough without becoming a victim of theft.

The Lock it or Lose it tips not only helps to prevent auto theft, they also help to prevent the theft of valuable objects that may be left in your vehicle:

Always roll up the windows, lock the door and pocket the key.
If you have a garage, use it. Lock the door as well as the vehicle.
Always park in a well-lit area.
Never leave your vehicle running while it’s unattended.
Never leave valuable objects in plain view.
Never leave your car keys in plain view.

South Bruce OPP officers have increased foot patrol and are actively checking unattended vehicles across the detachment area. On average, officers have found that 14%, or 1 in 7 vehicles, were left unlocked. Of the vehicles found unlocked, officers found the following:

Vehicle unlocked with keys in the ignition.
Vehicle unlocked, keys in cup holder, purse on passenger seat.
Vehicle found unattended and running.
Valuables in plain sight: GPS units, Laptops, Tools, etc.

A professional thief can steal your vehicle in less than a minute. Don’t make it any easier for them. You’ve worked hard to earn your property, so work hard to protect it.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information that can assist police to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or send a web-tip to crimestop-gb.org, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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