Vehicle Theft

Tanglewood-Hillsdale Community Association’s Neighbourhood Watch[1] reminds current and new residents that we live in a cohesive neighbourhood of townhouses, semi-detached, single homes, and an apartment building. Vehicles are park in garages, driveways, parking spaces, parking lots and on the street.  Be mindful that vehicles in our community have been stolen, broken into, and damaged externally – gouged streaks.  Respect the speed limit (40 k), cross walks and traffic signs.   

Auto Theft

It could take less than a minute for your vehicle to be broken and stolen. Your automobile loss is not only your worry.  You have likely lost your Garage door opener, which could be used in a break-in to your home.  You may have also lost the vehicle registration, insurance policy certificate, cheque book, which could be used in identity theft as could be a cell phone and GPS.   You’ll have to plan alternate transportation and may have to replace the stolen vehicle.  Contact the police.  If in progress call 911, otherwise call 613-236-1222 ext. 7300

Tips to avoid being the victim of a car thief:

01.    Obtain an all valuable removed card.

02.     Close windows, lock doors and pocket the key, even if your vehicle is parked at your home.

03.   Keep vehicle registration, insurance policy certificate, credit cards or other valuable papers in your wallet or purse and not in the glove compartment.

04.   Keep a record of your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers with you.  If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information to take a report.

04.   Don’t place any personal information on the vehicle’s key ring.

05.   Put all valuable not removed out of sight such as in the trunk.

06.  Store a spare key in your wallet or purse.  Never hide a second key in or on the vehicle.

07.   Always park in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, when possible.

08.   Many vehicles today come with some type of security system from the factory. Normally there are upgraded systems available if you ask. The best choices are systems that shut off the fuel supply so that a car can’t be started or driven. Other security systems include:

• an electronic vehicle disabling device        • a steering wheel locking device

• a vehicle alarm                                            • a hood locking device

09.  Always turn off your vehicle, even if it is to dash into a business, store, or warming up in the   winter.  It goes without saying that you do not leave children or pets in vehicles

10.  If you have a garage, use it and lock the garage doors. Also, lock your vehicle, even when it     is parked in the garage.

11.   Look behind the front seat before getting in to make sure no one is hidden on the floor.

12.   If you see suspicious people in or around motor vehicles, call the police. Call (613) 236-1222 if it isn’t an emergency. If it is an emergency, such as a life and death situation, injury accident or a crime in progress, call 911.