Peel – Peel Regional Police launched its Lock it or Lose it Campaign, a proactive crime prevention program that encourages drivers to take precautions to protect their vehicles and vehicle contents from theft, particularly during the holiday season.

Our police service is joining police services across Ontario this holiday season in urging motorists to lock their vehicles and ensure valuables are not left in plain sight. The Lock It or Lose It Campaign is about police working with our community to ensure we all take precautions so that crime doesn’t ruin the holiday season.

“Lock it or Lose it “is a program of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and is supported by a number of partners – the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Interac Association, Rogers Smart Home Monitoring, Roy Speed Ross, Mac’s Convenience Stores, and Securitas Canada.

In 2011, 82,411 vehicles were stolen in Canada. The good news is that auto theft was down nationally by 12 percent, with Ontario down by 9 percent. Unfortunately, Ontario auto theft still amounted to just more than $93 million in 2011. This cost is passed on to the consumer.

Here are some tips to avoid being a target this holiday season:

• Never leave your car running unattended, even for a minute.

• Holiday shopping? Put gifts and all valuables in the trunk or hidden from view.

• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas.

• Never leave any keys in the car.

• Always lock your car.

• Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious behavior.