Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Community Column by Don Butt (Mar.. 2014)

(Town of Mono, ON) We can talk about home security, but this also includes vehicle security, as contents are frequently stolen and also the vehicle itself, quite often from where it was parked outside your home. Remember that valuables such as phones, cameras, purses, gps units, i-pods, and other items left on car seats are easily seen from outside and are an invitation to break in. Put all valuables under the seat or in the trunk or glove box so as not to tempt thieves. In cool weather make sure all windows are up – in hot weather you can leave one or more down about one inch. Any more and they may be able to use a wire to unlock a door! If your car has expensive wheel disks, you can purchase a lock ring that goes over the valve stem.


Now let's see if we can prevent them stealing the car. Don’t leave the engine running when you leave the car. I want to tell a story at this point from just after the last war. A local business man purchased a new Studebaker and parked it in front of his business while he checked with his staff this morning. The new car was re-designed and was quite an outstanding vehicle. When he came out to go for breakfast, the car was gone. The local police came, and due to the modern design, the Chief said "What would they have to do to start this car ?" and the answer was "Oh, I made it easy. I left the keys in it!" Don’t do it and be sure to lock the doors On newer vehicles with remote locking, always check manually in cold weather as these units can fail. Try to park in a well lighted area at night and if you are still concerned a steel bar that locks the steering wheel is available at auto supply stores. Do not park, even in daytime, in a hidden area. Good luck..

Safety Tip
Keep enough escape space when stopped in traffic so you can escape into adjacent lane. (this tip comes to you from Doug Anette and the Skid Control School in Oakville, Ont. www.skidcontrolschool.com)

Phone Nos. – (a list of valuable numbers to have)
For all emergencies - 911
To report non emergency incidents or bad drivers -1-800-310-1122
Or by cell phone only *677

Road Watch
Our forms for reporting dangerous and aggressive drivers are now attached to our website.If you prefer a paper form or do not have a computer, our forms are available at Mono Plaza and OPP at Primrose. Please use them, the life you may save could be your own or a loved one. Or use the cell number to call direct - *677.

Don Butt is currently the Public Relations and Media Contact for the Mono Community Policing Committee. If you would like more information on anything covered in Don’s Column or would like to see a topic of public interest or safety covered; post a comment below.

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