Up To 17% Of Vehicles Found Unlocked

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Huron OPP has been busy this week reminding Goderich and Clinton residents to lock their vehicles in an effort to prevent thefts from vehicles and vehicle theft. The results from two lunchtime checks in Goderich and Clinton this week revealed some people are still not getting the message – “Lock it or Lose it”.

On Tuesday, September 11th a Huron OPP officer checked 100 vehicles parked on the Square and the surrounding downtown area; 17 % of vehicles were left unlocked. On Thursday, September 12th 100 vehicles were checked in downtown Clinton – 15% were left unlocked. The officer on foot patrol located three vehicles in Clinton parked with the windows down, doors unlocked, and keys in the ignition. Another two vehicles had keys left inside the vehicle with the doors unlocked.

Some of the valuables left in plain view inside these unlocked vehicles were: purses, Ipods, satellite radios, cell phones, GPS systems, medication and accessible parking permits.

One car owner returned to her unlocked Toyota, keys in the ignition and windows down, “I was gone only two seconds” was her explanation to the officer. Remember, a thief needs only a few seconds to take your car or your valuables from your car. Please do your part and help Huron OPP prevent this crime of opportunity? Lock your vehicle, remove your keys and don’t leave valuables in plain view.

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