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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.
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Agenda
