As thefts from cars increase in Peel Region, residents must ensure that their auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage to cover any break-ins
MISSISSAUGA: As Peel Regional Police begins their Crime Prevention and Community Safety month from November 1, it has warned people about increased thefts from cars in the region.
Police has listed steps that the residents should take.
Things to keep in mind
An unlocked door or an open window is an invitation for an opportunistic criminal to access your vehicle.
On average, a thief will spend anywhere from seconds to several minutes searching through an unlocked vehicle for valuable items.
Theft from vehicle crime statistics
Between 2017 and 2019, Peel Regional Police had over 13,000 “reported” thefts from vehicles.
During a 16-week period from July 1, 2020, to October 6, 2020, investigators at 11 Division have received 114 thefts from vehicle reports, with new incidents reported daily. However, investigators believe that hundreds of thefts from vehicles go unreported each year.
From those 114 reported thefts combined, 11 Division residents were relieved of thousands of dollars’ worth of their property.
What thieves are looking for
Property items stolen commonly include, but are not limited to, money, bank cards, cell phones, laptops, GPS, sunglasses, identification documents, tools, and garage openers, leading to further more intrusive thefts.
Protect yourself from these crimes
- Avoid storing valuables or packages in plain view within your vehicles (either remove valuables, place them out of sight or in your trunk).
- Lock all doors and close all windows.
- If possible, park your vehicles inside a locked garage, or in a well-lit area covered by surveillance cameras and/or motion sensors.
- Never leave your keys in an unattended vehicle.
- Consider the use of tamper-resistant screws to secure your license plates.
Tip: Ensure your auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage to cover any break-ins.
What else:
- If you see any unauthorized person(s) accessing your vehicle, contact the police immediately.
- If you notice that someone has accessed your vehicle and removed items, please file your report online.
- If you discover that your bank cards have been stolen, contact your financial institute to cancel the card(s) and inquire whether there has been any unauthorized activity on those card(s).
Peel Regional Police understands the impact property crime has on the public. If you see any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, report this type of crime to the police, and practice the crime prevention strategies mentioned above.
Check out this video and our website for more great tips and consider joining or activating a Neighbouring Watch program in your community.
Stay tuned for more helpful information during Crime Prevention and Community Safety month beginning November 1, 2020. Useful tips will be posted daily on all our social media sites to educate and help you avoid becoming a victim.
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