Project Safe Auto

PROJECT SAFE AUTO

Motor vehicles play a significant role in day-to-day lives and are a high-value item. As a result, they are often targeted by criminals for theft. We all have a role in crime prevention, so do you part to help protect your vehicle from theft! We have provided tips below to help ensure your investment is protected.

Call 9-1-1 if you witness a crime in progress or a dangerous situation. Or if you have information, call our non-emergency line at 519-661-5670 or make an online report.

Why thieves steal vehicles

To prevent vehicle theft, it is important to understand why they are stolen in the first place.

• Thieves may steal a vehicle to sell it or its parts
• They may use it for transportation and later abandon it or use it to commit other crimes
• Vehicle cloning is another reason for theft where a fraudulent identification number is used to sell the vehicle to unsuspecting buyers

When parking your vehicle

To reduce the risk of theft, it is important to take necessary precautions to prevent it.

• Never leave your car unattended while it’s parked and running, even for a brief period of time
• Always remove the keys and take them with you.
• Don’t leave your key fobs by the front door. Store them far away from your vehicle or in Faraday bags
• Park in a well-lit and visible area if possible
• Use steering wheel or wheel locks
• Lock all doors and windows
• Turn your wheels towards the curb to make it harder to tow
• Drop business cards or address labels inside doors to assist with vehicle identification

When at home

If you have a garage, park your vehicle in it and lock it.

• Install a motion sensor light to illuminate your vehicle (s) and garage
• If you have a rear-wheel drive car, back into your driveway
• If you have a front-wheel drive car, park front end first
• Always set the emergency brake upon parking
• Don’t leave the original ownership or insurance cards in the vehicle when unattended - make a photocopy of both sides of the documents to leave in your vehicle

Other important tips:

• Never hide a spare key in the vehicle or outside your home, thieves know where to look
• Never leave valuables or personal identification in your vehicle
• Be aware of your surroundings and drive with your doors locked

Invest in anti-theft devices

Some devices to help deter auto theft include:

• Ignition or fuel kill switches
• Steering wheel, gearshift, and hood locks
• Steering column collar
• Electric alarms

Be proactive in case your car is stolen:

Record the following information and store in a safe place:

• Year, make, model, and colour of your vehicle
• Licence plate and vehicle identification numbers
• Serial numbers for any special equipment
• Any dents or scratches that distinguish your vehicle from others

Remember to call 9-1-1 if you witness a crime in progress. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent vehicle theft.