This week in the REPORTER:
Streetscape plans for downtown
Legionnaire
of the Year
Atom Local
League Action
Volume 132 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008 No. 47
A Division of Canwest Publishing Inc.
A rash of thefts from vehicles across Essex County, particularly in Kingsville, have OPP reiterating to residents “lock it or lose it”.
On Friday, OPP Constables Janet Hayes and Jason Twaddle, Sergeant Rick Tonial, Ron Burgoyne of the Kingsville Community Policing Committee and officers with the Street Crimes division gathered in Kingsville. Their purpose was to inspect vehicles to ensure they were locked and that no valuables were left in view.
Officers checked vehicles in the Zehrs Food Plus parking lot, the Kingsville District High School parking lot and several automobiles and nearby neighbourhoods. Cards were then placed on the windshield of the cars letting the driver know if the vehicle was unlocked, unlocked with keys in view, windows open, valuables in plain view, or locked with keys removed, windows closed and valuables out of sight.
OPP officers feel a pro-active measure is necessary due to the high number of automobiles left unlocked in the area.
One gentleman who left his vehicle unlocked at Zehrs noted that he did so because of the comfort factor. Having lived in Kingsville all his life, he wasn’t too worried. However he did admit to leaving it locked when parked in his driveway.
The “small town” factor is proving inviting for criminals as many people feel safe enough to leave their vehicles unlocked or valuables inside. OPP estimate that roughly $20,000 to $30,000 worth of merchandise has been stolen from unlocked vehicles this year. This merchandise includes laptops, wallets, jewelry, GPS units and other possessions.
“This isn’t just kids, but adults too who are stealing things,” said OPP Constable James Markham.
“People are making it easy for the criminals,” added Sgt. Tonial.
GPS units are hot commodities for thieves as they can range in value from $150 to $450. Outlines of suction cups on windshields leave the impression that a GPS unit was in the vehicle. Owners are asked to ensure such evidence is wiped away.
“We want to remove any opportunity for the criminal,” said Constable Twaddle.
Constable Hayes added, “The key to protecting your vehicle is in your hands. Keep yourself from becoming an easy target by properly securing your vehicle. Remember: ‘lock it or lose it’.”
Serving Kingsville and Area since 1876
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Lock it or lose it
