Don't leave presents out for seasonal thieves: police

Crowded malls packed with cars full of presents can be Christmas gifts for thieves, Greater Police say, reminding people to lock their vehicles before heading back inside to shop.

As part of the force's Notifications of Community Crime (NOCC) initiative, officers will be at the New Sudbury Centre Wednesday night to educate shoppers of the particular perils of leaving their cars open during the Holiday season.

“At this time of year especially, there are many opportunities for people to have articles of value in their vehicles,” police say in a release. “This is a reminder for everyone to lock their vehicle, remove all items of value from sight and do not leave an idling vehicle unattended.”

The NOCC initiative has been in place since 2012, and has a police specialist dedicated to analyzing crime statistics to spot trends so affected areas can be alerted to the heightened danger.

“NOCC's are conducted by police officers and auxiliary officers, with the assistance of Cambrian College students,” the release said. “They attend the targeted area and canvass door-to-door to speak with residents about the identified trend.”

Residents receive educational pamphlets that offer tips about the current crime trend in their neighbourhood and how to protect themselves from being victimized. In this case, shoppers will be canvassed at the mall to ensure they know of the spike in thefts from vehicles at this time of year.

'Lock it or Lose it!' information and prevention tips will also be handed out tonight in an effort to make it harder for crooks to find unlocked vehicles.