Cobourg Police auxiliary members will now be checking vehicles in residential driveways as part of their Lock It or Lose It campaign. 

Staff sergeant John Linney says the campaign has previously focused on vehicles parked in the street or in parking lots and they often remain unlocked with valuables inside including wallets, phones and laptops so now is a good time to check driveways as well and remind citizens to lock their doors.

Areas canvassed in Cobourg are selected based on crime statistics, community complaints, and other criteria. 

Linney said rarely is it reported there was forced entry to vehicles, meaning opportunistic thieves are gaining easy access to vehicles. The sergeant said reporting these crimes, no matter how big or small, is important and knowing where they are occurring helps police when on patrol. 

As part of the Lock It or Lose It initiative, Cobourg Police auxiliary members in uniform examine vehicles to confirm they are locked, and no valuables have been left in view. A small notice is placed on vehicles that have been checked to indicate what safety precautions were neglected and to offer simple crime-prevention tips.

Drivers who have locked their vehicles also receive a notice informing them their vehicle was checked.