The Niagara Region is one of the safest places in the world.  To help make it safer, the Niagara Regional Police has compiled the information that follows with the assistance of the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General and crime prevention professionals.

Following these suggestions will not eliminate motor vehicle thefts or thefts from your vehicle entirely.  However, it will go a long way in helping to discourage thieves and vandals.

An awareness of these crime prevention pointers, together with your own common sense, can help make crimeproofing a way of life.

PERSONAL PROTECTION

• Inform others where you are going and check in with them when you reach your destination.
• If possible, have someone accompany you in underground parking garages.  Stay out in open areas away from pillars and vehicles.
• Have your keys in your hand while approaching your vehicle, and check the interior for uninvited passengers.  Lock your vehicle even when you are inside.
• While driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up.
• Stay on well lit and travelled areas.  First determine the safest route.  Take the long way around if it is the safest
• If you suspect you are being followed, make a visible show of writing down the licence plate number.  Drive to a police station or open business.  Do not drive home if no one is there.
• If you have car trouble on the highway, raise the hood and display a "Call Police" sign in the window.  If a motorist stops to assist, it is safer to remain in your vehicle and ask the motorist to get help.   Speak through a slightly lowered window.
• Never pick up hitch-hikers or stop to offer help to unknown stranded motorists.  If you see a motorist in distress call in the location to the police from the nearest telephone.
• Report suspicious persons, abandoned vehicles or any attempts of theft.

REDUCE THE RISK

• Do not leave personal identification or credit cards in your vehicle.
• Inscribe your vehicle licence plate number on such items as stereo system, CB, and tools, using a permanent marking device, such as an indelible marker, engraver, or scriber.
• Remove parcels from view
• Never leave your keys in an unattended vehicle, even when running a quick errand.
• Always lock doors and roll up windows tightly.
• If possible, never leave your keys in the car when it is in a parking lot.  Choose a lot where the attendant keeps the keys.
• Do not hide spare keys; they can be found.
• Never put your name or address on your house or car keys.  This will lead the thief to your home and encourage easy access.  Your vehicle licence plate is sufficient.  Keep vehicle and house keys on separate key rings.
• Park in well lit areas with pedestrian traffic.
• Park your vehicle facing the street.  Anyone tampering with the vehicle is more likely to be seen.
• If you have a garage, use it.  Lock both the vehicle and the garage.
• Consider installing anti-theft devices.
• Have your vehicle licence plate number etched onto all windows of your vehicle.
• Install a locking type gas cap.
• Use wheel discs that have a locking device.
• If you leave your coat anywhere, take your keys with you.
• Before driving your vehicle, check to make sure no one has stolen or switched your licence plates.
• Drop your business card down window channels into door panels, so that doors can be individually identified in case of theft.

BUYING or SELLING

• When selling your vehicle, never let a stranger test drive it alone.
• When purchasing a vehicle, check all papers against vehicle's identification numbers.
• Make a photocopy of your vehicle registration and keep it with your valuable papers.
• Be suspicious of a fresh paint job on a late model vehicle, and of persons offering to sell vehicles or parts at bargain prices.