Chatham-Kent Police are reminding residents to secure their vehicles after investigating an incident in which a suspect entered a parked vehicle, stole a debit card and used it to make purchases at a nearby business.
A person has since been charged, but police say the incident is an important reminder that theft can happen in a matter of moments.
Police are asking residents to always lock their vehicles, even if they are only stepping away for a minute, and to roll up all windows and close sunroofs. Wallets, purses, electronics and other valuables should be kept completely out of sight, and debit cards, credit cards, cash and personal documents should never be left inside a vehicle.
Most vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles are crimes of opportunity, police say, and taking a few seconds to secure a vehicle can help protect property and reduce the chances of becoming a victim.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is asked to report it to police. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.ckcrimestoppers.ca.
