Police and AMA remind shoppers to lock it or lose it

Nothing brings a holiday thief more joy than a car full of shopping bags and gifts. There is a vehicle reported stolen or broken into every 24 minutes in Alberta. Most thefts from vehicles are crimes of opportunity and can be prevented.

The Lethbridge Regional Police Service (LRPS) and Alberta Motor Association (AMA) will be at Park Place Mall in Lethbridge Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.

Officers will be sweeping the parking lot in search of unlocked vehicles and other targets for thieves. They’ll be distributing ‘All Valuables Removed’ window placards and chatting with motorists and merchants about the simple things they can do to prevent holiday gifts from ending up under the wrong tree this year.

To help spread the news check out this short video of a grinchy thief getting caught green-handed: https://news.ama.ab.ca/safe-shopping-tips-to-avoid-the-grinch-pinch.

“Every Who down in Whoville has reason to fear

When old Grinchy hits the mall in search of your gear

So please lock your doors — you know just what to do

Stash your valuables out of sight and not in plain view

When you park your sleigh put your treasures away

Or that mean Mr. Green with your X-box will play

Cameras, tablets, iPhones and designer sunglasses

Make old Grinchy’s eyes pop out as he passes

A steering wheel lock puts the brakes on his cart

That ‘All Valuables Removed’ sign strikes fear in his heart

No loose change or purses, no gift cards or wallets

No go-pros or dash docks, no whiz-gidgets, or whatchamacallits

So park by the bright lights and scan the lot for strangers

Avoid trips to your trunk, move your car, watch for dangers

Don’t leave your ride running, lock your doors – it’s a cinch

Share those gifts with your loved ones and avoid Grinchy’s pinch.”

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