WRPS remind you to ‘Lock It or Lose It’ this holiday season

Waterloo Regional Police (WRPS) want to ensure you have a very happy holidays so they are reminding people to protect their gift purchases from the sticky fingers of thieves.

The annual Lock-It or Lose-It campaign aims to prevent the theft of items from unlocked vehicles. It’s a crime that sees a significant increase around the holidays. Typically, thieves will systematically move through busy mall parking lots, looking for unlocked vehicles with purchases inside.

The thefts are lightning quick and often there is little to go on for investigators.

So, police say your best line of defense is to keep your purchases out of sight if you can and make sure your vehicle is locked.

But the crimes of opportunity aren’t limited to mall parking lots as WRPS constable Chris Iden told 570 NewsRadio.

“Anywhere that has automobiles in a dense area is going to be a target. That may be condominium areas or could be shopping centers or parking lots. It’s wherever there is an easy target.”

But, it’s not just thefts from vehicles to be aware of.

Iden said the rise in online shopping has opened up new avenues for thieves to take advantage.

“We just want to remind people just to make sure that if you are using a website to purchase anything, just make sure it’s a trusted website and a trusted business.” Iden goes on to say that WRPS will be posting videos throughout the month, highlighting ways people can protect themselves from cybercrimes.

Iden also said that once you make that on-line purchase, you’ll want to ensure your package doesn’t fall victim to porch pirates.

“During this time of year, try your best to make sure that if you’re having a package delivered you’re able to either bring it into the house or have a neighbour pick it up for you or even leave specific instructions to the delivery people that they can put it in a secure spot.”

Iden said should see something suspicious, like someone looking into cars or grabbing packages from a porch, contact police right away.

WRPS tips on how to protect your valuables

Canadian Anti Fraud Centre