Shelburne Police launch ‘Lock It, or Lose It’ campaign

June 25, 2015 · 0 Comments

The Shelburne police are urging the public to ‘Lock It, or Lose It’.
During the month of June Shelburne Police is holding their annual Lock It, or Lose It campaign. The purpose of this campaign is to educate the public about the importance of securing vehicles at all times and making sure valuables are not visible inside the vehicles. Over the next month Shelburne officers will be checking on the security of vehicles throughout the town and placing “lock-it or lose-it” pamphlets on windshields.
Studies about thefts from vehicles show that nearly 100 per cent of these crimes involve unlocked doors or incidents where valuables were left in plain view with or without locked doors. Many of these crimes – and the resulting losses to the victims – can be prevented with some simple, common sense actions on the part of all of us.
In the summer months the Shelburne Police Service often deals with several thefts from cars left unlocked, mostly overnight. By following the suggestions below, you can assist the police with this matter.
Here are a few crime prevention tips to help keep us from becoming the victim of a burglary or theft:
• Not every car burglar working the street is easily spotted. Be wary of anyone who seems to be suspicious.
• Remember to always secure your car doors when parking your vehicle, even if for a few minutes or in your own driveway. It just takes a few seconds to enter an unsecured vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables, such as cellphones, GPS units, iPods, laptops, purses, tools etc. in plain view inside your vehicle. Secure them in a glove box, console, or even better in the trunk. Thieves will generally search for other vehicles that are easier targets if they do not see anything of value your car.
• Park in well lighted areas at night.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked at night. Many burglaries to garages occur with doors left wide open. An open garage is an invitation to a thief to take anything in sight.
• Be suspicious of anyone approaching your vehicle or roaming your neighbourhood.
• Call the Shelburne Police Service to report anyone you believe suspicious in your neighbourhood or parking lot.
• It is important to call police immediately whenever possible, whether day or night, to most effectively prevent a crime, identify potential criminals or solve a crime. If a citizen believes a crime is in progress, is about to occur or has just occurred, calling 9-1-1 is the most effective method of contacting police.
If anyone has any questions please call the Shelburne Police Service at 519 925-3312.