Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers Reminds Residents to Protect Their Vehicles During the Summer
Summer is a time for vacations, road trips, festivals, beaches, and shopping, but it can also present more opportunities for vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles. Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is encouraging residents to take a few simple precautions that can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.
"Auto theft is a very real problem for people, especially those who may be travelling. We want to help remind people to keep their vehicle protected in order to reduce the incentives criminals have to steal from you," said Erica McIntosh, Coordinator with Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers. "For example, if you have a newer vehicle with keyless entry and start, put your keys in a shielded signal blocker bag to help reduce the risk of criminals from remotely gaining access."
While organized vehicle theft tends to be more common in larger urban centres, crimes of opportunity continue to occur throughout Chatham-Kent. Thieves often target unlocked vehicles parked in driveways, shopping centres, parks, and recreational areas, looking for anything of value left inside.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent theft is to make securing your vehicle part of your daily routine. Always lock your doors, roll up your windows completely, and never leave your vehicle running unattended, even for a few moments. Remove valuables from plain sight, including wallets, purses, laptops, cell phones, sunglasses, tools, backpacks, and even loose change. Criminals may break into a vehicle for only a few dollars in coins if they believe something valuable may be inside.
When shopping, avoid leaving purchases visible inside your vehicle. If possible, place items in the trunk before arriving at your next destination rather than transferring them after parking, where someone may be watching. Park in busy, well-lit areas whenever possible and remain aware of your surroundings.
For those heading away on vacation, additional precautions can help protect your vehicle while you're gone. Whenever possible, park in a locked garage or well-lit driveway. If leaving your vehicle at an airport or long-term parking facility, choose a reputable location with security measures such as surveillance cameras and controlled access. If someone is checking your home while you're away, ask them to occasionally move vehicles in the driveway to make the home appear occupied.
Owners of newer vehicles equipped with proximity key fobs should also be aware of electronic theft techniques. Criminals can use relay devices to amplify the signal from keyless entry systems, potentially allowing them to unlock and start a nearby vehicle. Storing keys inside a signal-blocking pouch or metal container when not in use can help reduce this risk. In addition, when parking in public places, consider manually locking your vehicle using the door lock button instead of relying solely on the remote key fob. This helps reduce the possibility of criminals using electronic devices to intercept or exploit wireless signals.
"Locally, car theft is not as serious as it can be in larger urban areas, but we have heard reports of thieves targeting unlocked vehicles looking for valuables," added McIntosh. "Make sure you lock your vehicles at night, park in well-lit areas, and keep items out of sight. This includes even the change you may have for your coffee or parking."
According to the Équité Association's 2025 Auto Theft Trend Report, 46,999 vehicles were stolen across Canada in 2025, including 19,319 in Ontario. While those numbers represent decreases of 18% nationally and 22% in Ontario compared to the previous year, auto theft continues to cost Canadians an estimated $900 million annually and remains closely linked to organized crime.
“Crime prevention is often about reducing opportunity. By taking a few extra seconds to secure your vehicle and remove valuables every day, residents can make themselves less attractive targets and help discourage criminal activity throughout the community,” said McIntosh
Anyone with information about vehicle thefts or thefts from vehicles is encouraged to contact Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a secure online tip at www.ckcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters never have to reveal their identity and may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers reminds people that many vehicle break-ins happen because criminals simply test door handles until they find an unlocked vehicle. Making it a habit to lock your vehicle and remove valuables can prevent many of these opportunistic thefts before they happen.
