In a recent article for Global News, Emily Baron Cadloff discussed the Insurance Bureau of Canada's (IBC) safety awareness campaign this holiday season. Working together with police departments across New Brunswick, the IBC is telling Canadians to "Lock It or Lose It," and to exercise caution with their belongings, always keeping them in sight when in public shopping areas. 

"It may be innocent enough," said Amanda Dean, Vice-President Atlantic for IBC. "It may be just running into the mall to grab a coffee or pick up a parcel that you had on hold. You may just be a few minutes. But it only takes a few minutes for someone to spot a valuable item in your backseat, to smash the window to get it – or, if you've left your door unlocked, you're making it that much easier for them."

Fredericton Police Chief Leanne Fitch emphasized the value of the partnership with the Bureau, which takes strain off of her department. She also explained that if people exercise vigilance and care with their personal property, it eases the strain on police departments. It's also a more effective approach than hoping that authorities can recover your property after the fact, she says. Often, these crimes are preventable too through taking a few simple actions.

Cadloff of Global News offers the following tips to protect your personal property:

• Always store valuables in your trunk and out of sight.
• Never leave identification, passports or wallets out in the open.
• Make sure to lock your car doors, even when you are parked on a street or in your driveway.

Contact Fundy Mutual for answers to all of your home and auto insurance questions. Headquartered in Sussex, New Brunswick, we offer the best services and products to meet your needs.