Ontario Police, IBC launch ‘Lock It or Lose It’ theft prevention program

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) are launching ‘Lock It or Lose It,’ a crime prevention program encouraging citizens to take a few simple precautions to prevent vehicle theft.  In partnership with IBC, the OPP are checking vehicles in a variety of locations to confirm 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. Among the reminders:

• roll up vehicle windows;
• keep valuables out of sight;
• lock vehicle doors; and
• pocket keys.

An OPP release announcing the program estimates auto theft costs Canadians more than $1 billion every year.