Thieves target unlocked cars in Burlington in increasing numbers

Published October 15, 2020 at 2:55 pm

Halton Police are warning Burlington residents to lock it or lose it…and with good reason.

Halton Police are warning Burlington residents to lock it or lose it…and with good reason.

Over the past few weeks police say there has been a significant increase in thefts from vehicles that occur overnight.

They say thieves have been targeting Burlington’s south end, mostly below the QEW, but all areas have been vulnerable.

As residents sleep, the bad guys have been going around checking vehicles to see if they are unlocked. If they are, everything inside is fair game as anything left on the seats, in the glove compartment and even loose change is gathered up.

Police say the best way to combat these thefts is to make sure their cars, trucks and SUVs are locked up.

They also offer the following tips:

  • Ensure your unattended vehicles are kept locked and secured
  • Never leave personal identification or valuables in your vehicle
  • Park in well-lit and attended areas whenever possible
  • Never leave spare keys in your vehicle
  • If you have to leave valuables in your vehicle, lock them in your trunk. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving packages or purses in plain view or on the seat. 
  • Remove garage door openers, GPS navigation, cellphone devices and power cords from your vehicle if possible or at the least, removed from view
  • Consider installing surveillance cameras which can capture the crime and aid in suspect identification
  • Ensure residences and garages are locked when absent from the home or turning in for the night
  • Report suspicious activity to police immediately
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