Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) is on a campaign to raise awareness about protecting valuables while holiday shopping this season.
Officers yesterday visited Oshawa Centre to speak to the public about the need to protect their valuables while shopping.
Officers will also be attending the Cram-a-Cruiser event on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Oshawa Costco to share lock-it or lose-it tips and literature.
This time of year presents crimes of opportunity for thieves as many people are shopping for the holidays and leave shopping items in their vehicles in plain sight.
DRPS tip on how to protect your vehicle and its contents:
- Ensure doors are always locked and the key/fob is in your pocket
- Park in well-lit areas
- Never leave money in plain sight
- Always roll up your car windows
- Put shopping bags and other parcels in the trunk
- Ensure GPS is put in a safe, out-of-sight location
- Keep vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance on you
- Take electronics, including your cellphone, with you
- Don’t leave your car running unattended
- If parking in the same lot often, park in different spots each day
Police also urge motorists not to keep personal documents such as credit card invoices or other documents containing personal information in their vehicles. Identity thieves are looking for these documents and victims may not realize they have been victimized until it is too late, costing them time and money.
