“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like…”

Yes, it IS beginning to look like the Holiday Season is upon us: snow, Christmas lights, gift shopping…but did you know there’s another kind of “shopping” that increases when the weather turns cold?  It’s car-shopping…and not the kind that any vehicle owner would like.

In the month of November, the Regina Police Service received seventy-one (71) reports of stolen vehicles and almost half of those thefts happened because of unintended opportunity.  In thirty-three (33) cases, the victims reported that the car keys were in the ignition or inside the vehicle.  If you add in thirteen (13) events where the keys were reported lost or stolen, it brings the number of reports where the suspect had access to vehicle keys up to forty-six (46) incidents.

We’re all in this together, so we do understand the need to warm up a vehicle in the winter season; however, there are some common-sense practices that can greatly reduce incidents of auto-theft.  A few minutes of crime prevention can save hours of frustration and grief over the loss of your vehicle, not to mention the costs of repairs or replacement.

• Always lock your vehicle and take the keys with you, even when the vehicle is parked on your driveway or in a garage.
• Don’t leave the car running to dash into a store, even for a few minutes. Someone will see that as an invitation to drive away in your vehicle.
• Warming up your vehicle improves combustion, fuel economy and performance. Ideally, technology like remote starters accomplish this without having to leave keys in the ignition.  If that’s not an option, either stay with the car while it’s warming, or have a spare key and lock the vehicle doors.  If the key is in the ignition, a device like a steering wheel lock provides a perfect deterrent to would-be auto thieves.  Pro-shopping-tip: a steering wheel lock is also a great Christmas gift (for yourself or someone else)!

You have the power to keep the Holiday Season jolly!  It just takes a little time to develop a habit of crime prevention.  As always, if you see suspicious behavior – like someone trying car door handles up and down the street – call 306-777-6500.  If you see a crime in progress, or in an emergency, call 9-1-1.