Windsor police are trying to make it more difficult for criminals to commit a crime by reminding shoppers to do something simple.
They have launched the annual provincial initiative "Lock It Or Lose It" campaign encouraging shoppers to lock their car doors.
Officers were talking to shoppers at the east end Canadian Tire Thursday and handed out pamphlets with safety points such as a 'professional can steal your vehicle in just 30 seconds--without a key.'
So far this year, there have been 1,600 reported cases of thefts from vehicles which is up by 200 cases over 2016.
"These stats are just from reports that are provided to us either you can do it online, you can call our non-emergency number," says Windsor police Constable Lindsay Flemming. "We encourage everybody to call us and let us know because we like to find out where those crimes are happening and we can focus on those areas."
Windsor Police Sergeant Steve Betteridge says the crimes are thefts of opportunity.
"The majority of thefts from cars come from a vehicle that was left unlocked and if somebody walks up in a busy parking lot and opens the door of an unlocked car, that doesn't stand out to anyone."
Windsor police launch the annual Lock it or Lose It Campaign. November 23, 2017 (Photo by AM800's Teresinha Medeiros)
Shopper Patti Albertini says she makes sure to lock it during the holiday season.
"Especially during the holidays because people know that people are shopping and that all your bags are in the car and I'm especially nervous when I'm at a mall."
Police says some of the excuses they hear for not locking a vehicle includes forgetting to do so and shoppers were just running quick into a store.