Suffolk Police Launch New 'Lock It or Lose It' Campaign

The Suffolk County Police Department recently revealed their new "Lock It or Lose It" campaign, encouraging residents to lock their cars in order to prevent thefts.

Police say that items are stolen from an average of 312 cars every month in Suffolk County, many of them from unlocked cars.

"Most vehicle break-ins are crimes of opportunities and if a vehicle is locked, a criminal will usually move on," police said in a press release. "Locking car doors will substantially decrease the likelihood of being victimized."

During the next month, a new 30-second PSA will be airing on multiple television and radio stations, reminding locals to lock their car.

In addition, several shopping centers including the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, Tanger Outlets in Deer Park and Riverhead and the Westfield South Shore Mall in Bay Shore, will have posters or digital displays of the “Lock It or Lose It!” flyer.

“Every day, the hard working men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department are out there in force doing their best to keep crime down," Acting Commissioner Timothy Sini said. "Oftentimes though, it is the partnership with the public that helps get us the results.”

According to Sini, locals should always lock their doors and make sure valuables inside the car are not in plain view.

“Unlocked vehicles give criminals an additional bonus of stealing sensitive personal documents resulting in identity theft without a victim realizing the fact until it’s too late,” Suffolk County Crime Stoppers President Nick Amarr said. “The Lock it or Lose It campaign is a way to remind residents how they can help prevent becoming the victim of a crime.”

For more information, visit www.suffolkpd.org.

Watch the PSA video posted on the Suffolk Police Facebook page below:

Photo: Video Screenshot