Saskatchewan RCMP and CAA Saskatchewan are warning residents to avoid leaving keys or presents in your vehicle this holiday season. (Ronald Quaroni/ paNOW Staff)

By Ronald Quaroni

Holiday Tips

“Leave your vehicle locked at all times”: Holidays opportune time for thieves to strike

Dec 24, 2019 | 10:00 AM

Running, unattended vehicles or packages left in the backseat could be too much temptation for holiday grinches looking to spoil Christmas.

During the holiday season, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) said its important to exercise caution to help limit the risk of theft from your vehicle or the vehicle itself.

“Leave your vehicle locked at all times. When you’re out and about doing errands, it’s best not to openly display what you have in your vehicle,” said Christine Niemcyzk, director of communications with CAA Saskatchewan. “Put something on top just to disguise the bags. If you have a big load, maybe it’s best to unload your purchases.”

“Let’s not use the vehicle as, ‘Santa’s bag of tricks,’” Niemcyzk added.

While the chill in the air is not quite so bitter now, she also had a warning for drivers warming up the vehicle with the keys in the ignition.

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“If you do need to start it, make sure that you are around it and that it’s observed. Don’t leave it running or idling for a long period of time,” Niemcyzk said.

Jessica Cantos, spokesperson for Saskatchewan RCMP, said it’s important to take valuable items out of the vehicles. These could include wallets, purses, loose change, or your garage-door opener.

Cantos also explained the cold weather doesn’t stop thieves from roaming around the city checking door handles and peaking through windows.

“If they find what they’re looking for, it could take them less than a minute to get in and drive away. It’s important not to give criminals easy access to vehicles and the valuables inside,” she said.

Not keeping doors locked and keys outside the vehicle could not only mean a loss of the possession(s), it could also threaten the community.

“Situations that involve stolen vehicles can have an impact on public safety, so it’s important that you make sure you don’t give anyone easy access to your vehicles,” Cantos said.

Christine Niemcyzk noted, vehicles parked in garages should also be secured in the event a would-be thief gains access to your home.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter:@RonaldQuaroni