The Waterloo Regional Police Service will take on a new approach to crime prevention this week with the launch of a unique holiday video that reminds residents to lock their vehicles and hide their belongings.

The campaign, which complements their ongoing “Lock It or Lose It” education program, provides a timely and musical reminder to safeguard cars and valuables during the holiday season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZOWQXhkoKc

From Chief Matt Torigian “…every year we continue to see increases in thefts from vehicles and we are hopeful that by providing our message in an entertaining way, we will gain our community’s attention and see fewer victims in these next few weeks and beyond.”

According to regional police, so far in 2012 approximately 2,763 thefts from vehicles have been reported.  On a monthly basis, the statistics hit an all-time high this year with more than 400 incidents occurring in Waterloo Region throughout the month of July alone.

Regional Police say the holiday shopping season provides greater opportunity for thefts of valuables from vehicles and can be especially upsetting to victims.  Every theft from a vehicle also draws from police resources.  To support police efficiency, the Service recently launched Online Reporting which includes thefts from vehicles, damage/mischief to vehicle, damage/mischief to property, lost property, and theft.  However, the total value for each must be under $5000.