**TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE**

In order to address the significant rise in thefts from parked motor vehicles, sheds and garages in the north end of the city , the Timmins Police Service has ramped up foot patrols in these area.
These foot patrols are focused on the downtown core and specific areas identified as those prone to these types of petty thefts.
Numerous complaints are coming in about suspicious persons rummaging through unlocked cars and into back yards.
Residents are strongly urged not to keep anything valuable in their vehicles as these items act as an enticement to petty thieves.
Additionally, an unlocked door offers no crime prevention deterrent whatsoever.
Genuine crime prevention is a joint venture between the Timmins Police Service and property owners who must contribute to their own safety by adopting basic security measures such as locking car doors when the vehicle is unattended.
During one such set of the beat patrols, officers rendered assistance to a stranded female driver and changed her flat tire.
The motorist was very thankful for the Timmins Police officers were pleased to assist.
These evening foot patrols will continue as they serve as a crime deterrence factor leading to an anticipated reduction in petty thefts.