Lock It Or Lose It Campaign – October update

Nov 2, 2021

Cobourg Police Service Lock It or Lose It Campaign

COBOURG (November 2, 2021) — Cobourg Police Service’s Lock It or Lose It campaign encourages drivers to take precautions to protect their vehicles and vehicle’s contents from theft.

With this initiative, CPS auxiliary members go into the community to examine parked vehicles to confirm they are locked, and no valuables have been left in view. They place a small notice on vehicles to indicate what safety precautions were neglected and to offer simple crime-prevention tips or to congratulate drivers who have taken the right steps.

Here is how Cobourg measures up so far this fall:

Between October 7and October 21, Auxiliary officers went out three times and checked nearly 400 vehicles.

  • 330 vehicles were found to be up to standard
  • 61 vehicles did not meet the Lock It or Lose It standard

Of those that failed to meet the standard, the following items were left out in plain sight: 2 dirt bike helmets, 2 GPS units, a box of toys, four handbags/purses, cell phones, a wallet, scooter, power tools, binoculars, and more. Someone even left their keys in the ignition and the window down!

The Lock It or Lose It campaign runs all year with a particular emphasis leading up to and during the holiday season when gift purchases increase and schedules are hectic, making it easy to forget the simple steps to safeguard your vehicle from theft.

Here are some tips to protect your vehicle and its contents:

  • Ensure doors are always locked and the key is in your pocket
  • Park in well-lit areas
  • Never leave money in plain sight
  • Always roll up your car windows
  • Put shopping bags and other parcels in the trunk
  • Ensure GPS is put in a safe, out-of-sight location
  • Keep vehicle registration certificates and proof of insurance on you
  • Take electronics, including your cellphone, with you
  • Don’t leave your car running unattended
  • If parking in the same lot often, park in different spots each day

The Cobourg Police Service encourages everyone to make it a routine to protect your vehicle against theft.  If you see something or someone suspicious, or you had something stolen from your vehicle, report online by visiting the Cobourg Police Service website cobourgpoliceservice.com. If you are witness to an in-progress theft, please call 9-1-1 immediately.