OPP program encourages citizens to 'Lock It or Lose It!'

A professional can steal your vehicle in just 30 seconds - without the key. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) are encouraging citizens to "Lock It or Lose It." The goal of the proactive crime prevention program is to encourage drivers to take a few simple precautions that will protect their vehicles from theft.

An unlocked door or an open window is an invitation to thieves. The "Lock It or Lose It" program reminds drivers to always:

* Roll up their vehicles' windows. * Keep valuables out of sight. * Lock their doors.

* Pocket their keys.

In partnership with the IBC, vehicles parked in a variety of locations are checked to confirm that they are locked and that no valuables have been left in plain view. "A small flyer placed on every vehicle checked indicates what safety precautions were neglected and offers a few simple prevention tips drivers can use to protect their vehicles against theft," said OPP Sgt. Nicol Randall.

"Auto theft costs Canadians more than $1.2 billion every year," said Richard Dubin, IBC VP Investigative Services. "About half of all stolen vehicles are used to commit another crime or are driven - often recklessly - for simple purposes of transportation (this is called 'destination theft'). In these cases, the thieves are usually amateurs who take advantage of owner negligence by grabbing the first vehicle they can find that's been left unsecured. In the other half of cases, vehicles are stolen by professional thieves involved in organized crime rings."

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!