North Bay Police Public Announcement on Vehicle Thefts
North Bay City Police being proactive in preventing vehicle thefts with the spike in Vehicle Thefts in Ontario.
The North Bay Police Service would like to remind the public that recently there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicle thefts in Ontario. While most the thefts have occurred in the GTA, and involve highly organized criminal organizations
The North Bay Police Service would like to remind the public that recently there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicle thefts in Ontario. While most the thefts have occurred in the GTA, and involve highly organized criminal organizations, there are also those who work individually, or on a smaller scale, and our location in North Bay does not make us immune from this lucrative crime. Also, as police services in bigger centers begin to crack down on these criminal organizations, it is likely that they will begin to fan out into other jurisdictions.
Inspector Jeff Warner advised “The North Bay Police Service has recently implemented Automatic Licence Plate Readers in all of our patrol vehicles, which will help our officers detect and locate stolen vehicles from across Ontario that are in our area. Our officers will be using the new technology as another tool to help locate stolen vehicles, arrest offenders and bring them before the courts in an effort to help reduce vehicle theft across the Province.
While reducing vehicle thefts will take a collaborated effort between vehicle manufacturers, law enforcement, and individuals, there are some common-sense ways to reduce the chances that your vehicle may get stolen.
The following important tips can help prevent vehicle thefts;
· Always keep your vehicle secure, with windows up and doors locked
· Never leave your keys in your vehicle when it is unattended
· Never leave your vehicle running when unattended
· Consider purchasing an anti-theft device and installing it when the vehicle is left unattended
· If you are looking at purchasing or leasing a new vehicle, consider one with anti-theft technology built in
· Increase lighting in areas of your property where your vehicle is parked
· If possible, have good-quality CCTV cameras installed around your vehicle
· For vehicles equipped with push-button start, store keyless entry fobs away from the front door of your home.
· Consider purchasing a Faraday pouch for keyless entry systems – this will block electromagnetic fields emitted, giving an extra layer of security
· When traveling, choose a hotel with a secure, monitored parking area
· Above all else, your own safety is paramount, vehicles can be replaced, you can’t. If your vehicle is being stolen, call police, don’t resist, as some thieves may resort to violence to steal vehicles.
