Wellington County OPP continue to receive reports of vehicles being entered overnight in driveways throughout the county.
In response, on July 10 at about 10:30pm, officers went on foot through a specific neighbourhood in the Town of Erin.
The patrol was the result of several reported vehicle break-ins that saw suspect(s) enter unlocked vehicles and take wallets, loose change, and sunglasses. Police checked about 100 vehicle doors and 30 doors were found unlocked. Three doors for trailers were unlocked and two garage doors were open, police say.
Contact was made by officers where lights were on inside the residence and any vehicles that were found insecure were locked if possible.
Police want to remind vehicle owners that thefts from vehicles are a crime of opportunity. An unlocked vehicle door or an open window is an invitation to thieves, and keeping valuables out of view could prevent a theft from occurring.
The key to protecting your vehicle is in your hands, police say, adding, “Keep yourself from becoming an easy target by simply securing your vehicle – lock it or lose it.”
OPP are suggesting vehicle owners:
– always roll up the vehicle’s windows and lock the doors;
– never leave a vehicle unattended while it is running;
– if using a garage, lock the door as well as the vehicle;
– never leave car keys in plain view or in an easily accessible area;
– always park in a well-lit area; and
– never leave valuable objects or packages in full view (put them in the trunk).
Anyone with information regarding thefts can contact Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.crimestoppersguelphwellington.com.
