Lock it or you just might lose it

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Campus security services is reminding staff and students to keep cars locked and valuables out of sight in the parking lot.

The warning comes after a stolen car was found on campus earlier this month. Two weeks ago, a suspect attempted to break into a vehicle, then stole another vehicle from a campus parking lot.

Older model cars and trucks were the target in both incidents. Shawn Rutkauskas, security supervisor in charge of operations, posited that this might be because newer cars have technology that makes them more difficult to break into or steal.

Though London police arrested the suspect a few days after the incidents, Rutkauskas said he hopes this will get people's attention and remind them to be cautious.

In order to remind staff and students to lock their cars, campus security services is stepping up the Lock It Or Lose It campaign that began earlier this year. Campus security services roams the parking lots, making sure cars are locked and that valuables are hidden. "It's a healthy reminder that we observed something in your car that someone else might have observed," said Rutkauskas. "We leave a note as a quick reminder (to lock your car)."

Keeping cars clean and tidy, with valuable items hidden from view, can also deter thieves. "Not only taking down your GPS, but the holder from the windshield as well," advised Rutkauskas.

He added that he has heard some students leave their cars unlocked so that thieves do not have to damage the car in order to break in. "In my opinion, it's better to lock your car," Rutkauskas said. "And I'm sure your insurance company would agree with that as well."

The Lock It Or Lose It campaign is a joint partnership between the Ontario Provicial Police, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

For more information on the Lock It Or Lose It campaign, visit: tinyurl.com/lockitorloseit.