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“Lock it or Lose it” campaign continues in Red Deer

May 31, 2017 | 3:34 PM

Red Deer RCMP and volunteers with Red Deer Citizens on Patrol (COP) continued their work on the “Lock it or Lose it” public education campaign on May 27, visually checking 103 vehicles in a busy parking lot in an effort to educate the public on how to prevent vehicle thefts and “smash and grab” crimes.

COP volunteers worked with Red Deer RCMP to check 103 vehicles in Bower Place parking lot on May 27. Volunteers did not try doors or touch vehicles, other than placing a flyer under their windshields to inform the driver that their vehicle had been visually inspected. The flyers flagged any temptations volunteers saw that might induce a thief to break into the vehicle or attempt to steal it, with the goal of educating drivers about ways they can protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.

Less than half of the vehicles received a thumbs up for the care drivers had taken to prevent themselves from being victims of crime. 21 vehicles had possessions or cash in plain view, 6 had visible electronics, and 27 had a garage door opener in plain view. Three vehicles had keys left inside.

Volunteers also provided helpful reminders about expired or soon-to-expire registration, and noted issues such as the vehicle appearing to be unlocked, items of value in the box of a truck, broken tail lights or that the interior light had been left on.

Vehicle thefts and property crimes are a concern everywhere, and the “Lock it or Lose it” campaign reminds drivers that many crimes can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. The campaign is part of ongoing work by Red Deer RCMP and local crime prevention agencies to educate Red Deerians about ways they can avoid being victims of crime. 

Check out our video profiling the “Lock it or Lose it” public awareness campaign…

 

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