MEDIA RELEASE WELLINGTON COUNTY OPP
(COUNTY OF WELLINGTON, ON) – Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police is reminding residents to LOCK IT OR LOSE IT!!!! Take proactive steps to protect your vehicle and your property.
The Wellington County OPP have responded to 69 stolen motor vehicle incidents and 138 vehicle entries and thefts. Many of these thefts could have been prevented by locking the doors and pocketing the keys. In some incidents, residents reported that their garages were entered as a result of the suspects having access to garage door openers after entering an unlocked vehicle.
The following are helpful reminders to avoid becoming a victim:
· If you are not home, lock your doors.
· Trim bushes to prevent hiding places.
· Outside lighting should be used to illuminate entry points.
· Always roll up vehicle windows, lock the doors and pocket the keys.
· Never leave your keys in the vehicle or in an easily accessible area
· If you have a garage – use it and lock it as well as your vehicle
· Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area
· Never leave valuables in plain view – place them in trunk
· Never leave vehicle unattended while it is running.
· If your vehicle is equipped with a security system, remember to activate it.
· Never leave your purse, wallet or other valuables in your vehicle.
Thefts from motor vehicles and break and enters are crimes of opportunity, remove the opportunity, prevent the crime.
A bordering OPP detachment investigated nearly 50 vehicle entries that occurred in a 4.5 hours span in one night in one small town. Let’s prevent that from happening here by all doing our part.
Wellington County OPP is asking you to report any suspicious persons or vehicles in your neighbourhood by calling 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.
