Lock your car.
Mounties in St. Albert have launched their annual Christmas Grinch initiative. Officers will be patrolling commercial parking lots to check for unlocked doors and valuables left in plain view in vehicles.
“When we go shopping for gifts, so do thieves,” Staff Sergeant Dewayne Moore said. “Thieves can be very crafty, and this is why everyone needs to be on high alert when shopping during the Christmas season.”
In a news release announcing the program, Mounties offered some tips to avoid a visit from the green guy:
- "Be aware of your surroundings: Many thieves hang out in parking lots watching people come out of stores with gifts to identify potential targets;"
- "Do not leave anything in plain sight: While this may seem obvious, many people leave shopping bags, gifts, cellphones, purses and even their wallet/money in plain view in their vehicle. Doing this just invites thieves to attempt to break into your car;"
- "Put everything in the trunk: Putting all gifts and valuables in the truck will make your vehicle less of a target. If thieves do not see anything in your car, they will be more likely to move on to another, more enticing vehicle;"
- "Take your gifts home: Rather than leaving your gifts in the car while you run errands, take them home;"
- "Park in high-traffic areas: If possible, always park in locations that have a high volume of traffic. The more people that are around, the less likely thieves will attempt to break into your vehicle;"
- "Lock your car: Even if you are just running into the store for a minute, always lock your vehicle;"
- "Do not leave gifts in the car when you get home: Many people leave gifts in their car when they get home. However, even if your vehicle is in your driveway, you could still be the target of a break-in. Always take your gifts in the house when you get home."
"St. Albert RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911."
"If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store."
