Remember to always secure your personal belongings by locking out crime — especially during the Christmas season.
That was the advice offered by Coun. Sue Attrill, the outgoing chair of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, during the last city council meeting of the year.
"We have a huge problem with property theft, which comes in part from having a trusting community," she said.
It's a big issue for shoppers and residents to be preyed upon at Christmas time apparently. More than half of those who suffered losses under the theft from vehicle category had not locked up their vehicles, according to the statistics.
"Some people will park and think they'll be in and out quickly, so they'll leave things unlocked," said the city councillor.
That's a strategy that often ends badly for the vehicle owners.
"It's worth it to be smart about how you secure your vehicle and your belongings, since it's horrible to be targeted at Christmas," said Attrill.
"So I'd like to send out a huge reminder to people to protect themselves and lock up."
Coun. Sam Waddington added that open displays of wealth and present purchases are too much of a temptation for some.
"So it makes sense to take extra effort to be safe with those things. Be mindful if you have goodies in the car, always lock up and don't leave anyone the opportunity."