Keep your car locked.
That's the message Thunder Bay Police Services are sending to residents amid increasing concern about a growing trend among Thunder Bay youth; car shopping.
The act, also known as car hopping, involves finding unlocked cars and stealing money or any valuables visible inside. Police say these crimes have become more and more common in all areas of the city, especially throughout the summer and into fall. Community Services Branch Commander Scott Smith said he has been receiving daily reports about car hoppers and says officers have been working to make arrests.
Smith said although cash is the most prevalent item taken, car owners are also having cameras, cellphones and other items taken. He encourages people to report car shopping crimes so police know where to direct their surveillance to catch car-shoppers in the act.
