Lock your vehicle and put valuables out of sight to prevent property and identity theft
FREDERICTON, Dec. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is warning motorists about the property and identity theft that can occur when a vehicle is left unlocked and valuables are in view. Today, IBC with its law-enforcement, crime-prevention and commercial partners launched Lock It OR Lose It, a crime-prevention campaign to encourage drivers to protect their vehicle and its contents from theft during the holiday season and throughout the year.
"The insurance industry is proud to work with our community partners to support the Lock It OR Lose It campaign," said Amanda Dean, IBC Vice-President, Atlantic. "Leaving your vehicle unlocked or valuables in sight are an open invitation to thieves. While auto theft is declining in some areas, motorists should remain vigilant."
This regional initiative involves IBC's law-enforcement partners throughout the Maritime Provinces. It includes new signs in busy parking lots to remind drivers to lock their doors, pocket their keys and remove any valuable items from sight. In addition, police officers will examine parked vehicles to confirm they are locked and that valuables are not in view. The police officer may then place on the vehicles a small notice with tips on how drivers can protect their vehicle against theft.
Dean urges motorists not to keep personal documents – such as a vehicle ownership card, liability pink slips, credit card invoices and passports – in their unoccupied vehicle. Criminals look for such documents so they can assume identities, secure credit card accounts and participate in other fraudulent activities. Victims may not realize they have been victimized until it is too late, costing them time and money to rectify the damage.
"Most criminals seek out crimes of opportunity. Leaving valuables in plain sight, or in an unlocked vehicle can provide that opportunity," said Leanne Fitch, Fredericton's Chief of Police. "Don't allow criminals access to your personal belongings like wallets or ID cards left behind in your car. This increases your risk of being further victimized by identity theft over and above theft of property."
IBC's top ten tips to protect your vehicle and its contents while unattended are:
- Ensure your doors are always locked and the key is in your pocket
- Always park in well-lit areas
- Always roll up your car windows
- Never leave money in plain sight
- Put shopping bags and other parcels in the trunk
- Ensure your GPS and other electronic devices are out of sight
- Keep your vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance on you
- Take your cellphone with you
- Never leave your vehicle running when unattended
- If you frequently park in the same parking lot, park in a different spot each day
To learn more about preventing auto theft, visit www.ibc.ca/en/Insurance_Crime/Auto_Theft/
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $48 billion.
To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Atlantic or like us on Facebook.
If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.
SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada
To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031, ext. 4312 (daytime), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]
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