Police launch annual ‘Lock It or Lose It’ campaign to deter thefts

Windsor police have joined the annual province-wide “Lock It or Lose It” campaign.

Pamphlets were given to shoppers last weekend at Canadian Tire to raise awareness and stop thieves from preying on distracted Christmas shoppers by robbing their cars.

Police are urging the public to be more careful when they leave their vehicles in store parking lots, especially if they are in a hurry. Police say it’s an opportunity for thieves to target unlocked cars.

An attempted theft took place Wednesday in Windsor in the 2500 block of Ouellette Avenue.

A resident was in the back seat of a running car with a young child about 3 p.m. when a man approached the vehicle.

The man saw the car’s engine was running and couldn’t see the driver in the back, say police.

He opened the passenger-side door and sat down. The startled resident yelled at the man, who fled the scene in a black pick-up truck.

The suspect is described as 30-to-35-year-old man with brown hair.

He was last seen wearing jeans, a grey sweater, brown short-boots, and a distinctive dark-coloured flat cap that is rounded with a small stiff brim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Windsor police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.