Thieves often look to turn garbage to treasure following Christmas Day gift giving, West Region OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk says.
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“Thieves can quickly ascertain what you received on your Christmas wish list by simply driving by and looking at the gift boxes put out to the curb for garbage pickup,” Sanchuk said in a statement released Wednesday. “Criminals can easily gauge which house would make a great target based on the advertisement left out for them each year.”
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Sanchuk said there are steps residents can take to protect themselves including taking boxes from large-ticket items directly to a recycling depot when possible.
Residents are also advised to shred all receipts and financial documents meant for the garbage. Those who need to place boxes at the curb for pickup are urged to break them down to a smaller size and turn them inside out. As well, residents who are going to be away should arrange for a trusted person to gather garbage cans.
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Sanchuk also recommends gathering mail as soon as possible and those residents who are going away should ask a trusted person to keep tabs on mail delivery.
Posting new gifts on social media is not recommended and residents should also make it appear that their home is occupied when it isn’t.
Vehicles and homes should be locked, Sanchuk said.
“Thieves often look for the easiest target with the biggest, quickest return and by following these tips you can help prevent becoming a victim of property crime this holiday season,” Sanchuk said.
For more information on the OPP Lock It or Lose It or the Safeguard Program, you can visit the OPP Website at www.opp.ca and click on the “Resources” tab.
Extortion attempt in Haldimand
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Provincial police are advising people to be extremely careful about sharing images or videos online following a recent attempt to extort a Haldimand County resident.
The OPP was contacted by a resident on Dec. 23 and upon further investigation learned the victim had met an individual online. The two people exchanged correspondence and while conversing online, the victim shared explicit photos, police say.
The victim was then contacted by the same person who had downloaded the photos and demanded money, or they would share the photographs with the victim’s contacts on social media. The victim did not forward any funds and immediately contacted police.
“Everyone needs to realize the long- and short-term dangers when requests are made to send out sexually explicit photographs or videos,” Insp. Jodi Kays, detachment commander Haldimand OPP, said in a statement. “Those who distribute it also need to be aware of the criminal ramifications of doing so.
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“Once it’s out there, you can’t get it back and you should not be embarrassed to speak to police about your concerns.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. Those who wish to remain anonymous, can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com to become eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Vehicle stolen in Townsend
Haldimand County OPP is investigating the theft of a vehicle from a Ravine Crescent address in Townsend.
The theft took place overnight on Dec. 21 to Dec. 22 when an unlocked garage was entered and a key fob for a black, 2014 Dodge Journey was located. The fob was used to steal the vehicle that was parked in the driveway.
Police are continuing to investigate and are seeking public assistance. Anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are being asked to contact the Haldimand County OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122. Those who wish to remain anonymous, can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com to become eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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