| July 29, 2010 Volume 51 Edition No. 30 |
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| Essex County OPP Reminding Residents to: Lock It or Lose It! | ||||
| by Ontario Provincial Police communications |
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With the warmer weather conditions, Essex County OPP has experienced an increase in thefts from both UNLOCKED and locked vehicles (where property has been left visible inside the vehicle). Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) are again reminding drivers to Lock It or Lose It. Developed in partnership with IBC, the goal of this proactive crime prevention program is to encourage drivers to take a few simple precautions to help protect them and their vehicles from opportunistic criminals. The OPP is encouraging residents to get into the habit of practicing a few common sense tips: DON’T LEAVE VALUABLES IN PLAIN VIEW, INCLUDING MOUNTS FOR GPS SYSTEMS ETC; always lock your car; protect your keys; don’t hide spare keys where you think thieves can’t find them (they can); and most importantly, never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running! “An unlocked door is an invitation to thieves” explains Inspector Rick Derus, Essex County OPP Detachment Commander. Essex County OPP Crime Unit is seeing an increase in these types of thefts from vehicles. This pattern generally involves the culprit(s) canvassing neighbourhoods late at night or in the early morning hours specifically searching for crimes of opportunity. Leaving your vehicle unlocked or leaving valuable items in plain view simply invites the thief to quickly smash your vehicle window subsequently allowing retrieval of the item. In an effort to decrease the number of thefts and ultimately identify the responsible person(s), Essex County OPP officers are increasing bicycle patrol details throughout the county. Anyone with information pertaining to the identity of suspect(s) involved in this type of criminal activity or who may have witnessed a crime is asked to contact OPP Communication Centre at 1-888-310-1122. The key to protecting your vehicle and its contents is in your hands. Keep yourself from becoming an easy target by properly securing your vehicle. Remember: “Lock It or Lose It!”
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