A Huron County Ontario Provincial Police report reveals 16 vehicles have been stolen so far in 2020.
This is a 33 per cent increase compared to the 12 vehicles that were stolen in 2019 at this time.
And out of the 16 vehicles stolen this year, 88 per cent of them had the keys left in the vehicle and were left insecure.
Despite previous warnings and a recent county-wide "Lock-it-or-Lose-it" campaign, too many vehicle owners are failing to take simple steps to secure their vehicles.
Half of the stolen vehicles taken have been pickup trucks. Eight pickup trucks, two cross-overs, one mini-van, one jeep, three tractors and one snowmobile have been stolen.
"Crime prevention is everyone's business. Please help us combat vehicle theft in our county by simply locking up your vehicle and removing the ignition key. It is much easier to prevent this crime than it is to investigate, arrest and convict these criminals after-the-fact. Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity, let's do whatever we can to take this opportunity away," said Huron County OPP Sergeant Russ Nesbitt.
Quite often these thieves will use the stolen vehicles to commit further criminal offences such as break and enters and thefts. Additionally, the drivers will engage in dangerous driving acts on the roadway and will also fail to stop for the police if attempts are made to stop them.
Police ask residents not to leave valuables or personal documents in vehicles.