Is your Vehicle a TARGET this Holiday?

The busy Holiday shopping season is here. The shopping centres, streets and outlet malls are bustling with people. Everyone is thinking of getting and giving gifts, attending parties and having a great holiday. However, these are the perfect conditions for thieves to take advantage. Vehicle break ins go up dramatically over the Holidays.

A few things to remember when you are out shopping:

• Park in a sensible place, avoiding unlit areas at night.
• Remove the ignition key and activate the steering lock.
• Lock your doors and close all windows.
• Hide your valuables out of sight or take them with you.
• All parcels and shopping bags should be locked in the trunk.
• Many of the newer cars have trunk releases. Lock the truck release when you park your car.
• Take extra keys out of your vehicle.

Common items stolen from vehicles:

• Laptops
• Radar Detectors
• Shopping Packages
• Purses
• Compact Discs
• Stereos
• MP3 Players
• Briefcases
• Tools
• Personal Documents

It’s easy to help protect your valuables with a few simple precautions. Take the time and help ensure a holiday without tragic surprises and regrets.

(list courtesy of IBC.ca)