During the winter months, snowmobiles and ATV’s have been stolen from residents in the region. In one incident, an owner parked his ATV parked right out front of his property for a very short period of time and when he returned the vehicle had been stolen. In all cases, the stolen recreational vehicles were not properly secured and were removed from quiet rural properties. Some of the thefts occurred during overnight hours when homeowners were sleeping.

As a result of the increase in the theft of recreational vehicles, private citizens and commercial business owners are reminded once again to ensure they have all the necessary and up-to-date documentation for their recreation vehicle.

York Regional Police reminds residents that thieves are opportunists and to some degree, everyone is responsible for their own personal property. Properly securing your recreational vehicle and following other safety tips are preventative measures that each one of us can take.

Following these crime prevention tips can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime:

• Park your recreational vehicle in a well-lit area that is highly visible, to allow you and your neighbours to keep an eye out and note suspicious activity
• Never leave your recreational vehicle parked in a secluded area or any other place where it can easily be stolen and loaded onto a truck
• Lock the vehicle and take your keys with you
• Don’t leave your unattended recreational vehicle running
• Remember to always remove the ignition key if you’re going to be away for an extended period of time
• Lock up your ATV using security cables or heavy chains
• Secure all recreational vehicles together or anchor them to a fixed or secure object
• If possible, lock your ATV inside a garage, trailer or other secure area
• Engrave identification numbers on your vehicle
• Consider disabling the machine by removing the battery, spark plug wire, or battery terminal wire or another ignition component that might dissuade would-be thieves
• Keep information necessary to identify your equipment and vehicle separate
• Consider purchasing an anti-theft device

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #3 District Crime Prevention officer at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7312, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, leave an anonymous tip online at http://www.1800.222.tips.comor text your tip by sending TIPYORK and your message to CRIMES (274637).