With holiday shopping in full swing, police are reminding shoppers to Lock It or Lose It.
Timmins Police Service launched the annual campaign at the Walmart parking lot this afternoon. Staff walked the aisles of cars, making sure vehicles were locked, the keys removed and valuables out of sight.
“Those are the main factors that make it easier for thieves to access your valuables and if you make it easy then the reality is that when you come back to your vehicle your valuables may be gone,” said Kate Cantin, Timmins Police corporate communications co-ordinator.
“This goes for people’s residences as well. We want to remind to people to lock the doors of their homes always, use a dead bolt if they can, and make sure that as well valuables are away from plain view.”
A tag was left on all the vehicles that the police checked. It indicated what the issue was or that the vehicle was secure.
According to Cantin, common items that are left in vehicles to entice thieves are electronics and spare change.
While the campaign typically runs throughout the holiday season, if there are increased thefts in certain areas throughout the year, Cantin said police will bring out the flyers.
“It’s a proactive way for us to get involved and make sure people are protecting themselves,” she said.
