The Timmins Police is in receipt of an increase in reports of thefts of motorcycles from properties located in the south end of the city and is issuing a Crime Prevention Advisory.
The Timmins Police is investigating the theft of a blue 1987 Honda Magna motorcycle from a Rea Street South residential address as well as the theft of a black 2017 Suzuki DR-200 “endure” style motorcycle stolen from a Way Street address.
An attempted theft of motorcycle at a Columbus Street address that occurred early this morning is also being investigated at present.
In each instance, a review of CCTV footage is being completed by the Timmins Police in keeping with its investigative efforts to identify the suspect or suspects.
Residents in the area are asked to review any of their camera footage and to forward any useful images to the Timmins Police Service in a timely manner.
It is apparent that, with the warmer weather and prolonged daylight taking hold, petty criminals are taking advantage of property owners by means of thefts of these vehicles.
With the above in mind, the Timmins Police Service is issuing a crime prevention advisory focusing on the standardized message of “Lock It or Lose It”
In regards to thefts of motorcycles, owners are urged to make the necessary efforts to secure these vehicles in locked storage facilities. If your motorcycle must be stored outdoors, the use of locking devices to deter thieves and protect your property is recommended.
These thefts appear to be crimes of opportunity and, as such, the Timmins Police is urging for compliance with the following guidelines.
Access points to sheds or garages should have quality locking devices, such as a dead bolt, installed and in use to deter thefts.
Proper lighting or motion sensor lighting will deter illicit activity on your property. Citizens are reminded that daylight break-ins do in fact occur
Keep your shed or garage doors closed and locked, even when present at home. Prying eyes quite often take note of valuable property. Having your items on unintentional display may be accidental but must be addressed from a crime prevention point of view.
Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary
If you are going on vacation, have someone you trust make routine checks on your property and make it so your residence looks occupied.
Along with the recent increase of motorcycle thefts or attempts to do so, lawn mowers, snow blowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight in a locked shed or garage.
The Timmins Police recommend adopting the habit of always locking your shed or garage.
Never leave notes on your door that indicate you are not home. Well intentioned, these notes tend to serve as an invitation to thieves.
These are not sophisticated criminals by any means so whatever measures a property owner takes on to “harden the target” so that the risk of being seen or caught is greater, will likely deter incidents of theft.
The Timmins Police urge local property owners to do what easily can be done to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime by adhering to simple and reliable security practices
In closing, anyone with viable information or CCTV footage regarding these recent thefts are asked to provide their information directly to the Timmins Police at 705-264-1201 or to make use of the Crime Stopper tip-line of 1-800-222-8477 or www.p3tips.com
