While organized crime-style thefts are still dominating the headlines in big cities, crimes of opportunity are still prevalent in Perth County.
As frustrating as it is to local police, leaving keys in the car is still a major problem.
Const. Brad Keffer said he grew up on a rural property and while leaving the keys in the car or truck may have been common years ago, it’s not a good idea these days.
“The world I grew up in unfortunately doesn’t exist anymore. So we have to take those keys out of the ignition and lock the car.”
Keffer said most of the local car thefts are committed by local criminals and vehicles can sometimes be used in the commission of other crimes, including break and enters.
As car thefts have become sophisticated, Keffer said Faraday bags and boxes are a modern amenity that prevents remote access to key fobs used by criminals.
Local OPP have purchased Faraday bags and have given them out at community events.
Perth OPP and Stratford Police are also teaming up for a community information session on auto theft prevention on June 3 from 6-9 p.m. at Stratford Rotary Complex.
