There are Grinches this time of year just waiting to find an unlocked running car or an unlocked vehicle that is full of valuables and presents.
Police services in Ontario have launched The Lock It or Lose It campaign, a reminder to citizens that leaving your vehicle unlocked increases your chances of becoming a victim of theft.
OPP Sgt Jason Folz says it's as simple as locking your car door, keeping valuables out of sight and not leaving your running vehicle unattended.
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Folz recommends people store presents in the trunk or at least somewhere in the vehicle where they will not be visible to prying eyes.
During the campaign, police officers and auxiliary members may examine parked vehicles in shopping malls and public parking lots.
Police will leave a note on the vehicle that it has been checked.
Folz says quite often they find vehicles that are unlocked.
If that's the case, there will also be a note left on the windshield with safety precautions that could have been taken.
