MIDDLESEX COUNTY OPP REMINDING OWNERS TO LOCK IT OR LOSE IT

(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, ON) – Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is seeing a disturbing trend as they conduct their patrols across the County. Numerous homeowners are leaving garage doors open and expensive items unattended making an easy target for thieves and other criminals.

“In a perfect world, we should be able to leave a pile of cash and jewellery out in the open and not have to worry about someone else taking those items. Reality is, we don’t live in a perfect world. Theft of property is often a crime of opportunity. We need to be responsible and remove those opportunities from criminals whenever we can”, advises Middlesex OPP Staff Sergeant Shawn McGLADDERY.

Owners are reminded to keep their personal items locked up and out of sight and they are further encouraged to remember to keep garage doors locked before heading out of the house or before heading to bed. Many attached garages have direct access into the house. By leaving your garage door open, you not only make it easy for thieves to take items from the garage, you also provide a sheltered area for would-be thieves to close the garage door behind them and break into your home without being seen or heard.

Remember, if you see something, say something. You can report suspicious activity by calling Middlesex County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

For more information on how to protect yourself from property crime, visit www.opp.ca.

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