I lay on the couch in the dim light,
 I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
 The dog was asleep, with its head on my chest,
 My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
 Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
 Transforming the town to a wintry delight.
 
 With twinkling lights on my tree I believe,
 Completing the magic, it’s Christmas Eve.
 My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
 Secure and surrounded in home I would sleep.
 In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
 I fell into sleep, I started to dream.
 
The sound wasn’t loud, but it was quite near,
 I opened my eyes and perked up my ear.
 Perhaps just a cough, I didn’t quite know,
 I’m sure it was footsteps outside in the snow.
 I started to tremble, I struggled to hear,
 I crept to the doorway to see who was here.
 
 Outside my home, while our families asleep,
 The police were patrolling, my safety they keep.
 They spotted some teens going through my new truck,
 They had taken my wallet and laptop for luck.
  My truck was wide open with stuff on display,
  Allowing these thieves, quite easy prey.
 
 I was dumfounded, nervous and speechless for sure,
 The officers questioned me, their intentions were pure.
 They had captured the thieves, and recovered my stuff,
They spoke to the youths, whose replies were quite rough.
 At the end of this case, they said they could prove it,
 They reminded me saying, “Please Lock it or Lose it”

The County of Wellington OPP continue to encourage home owners and vehicle owners to by vigilant in securing autos when not in use. Police continue to respond to many calls for service each day involving someone with articles stolen from autos overnight. Following a couple valuable tips may prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.
Never leave your auto unlocked while unattended.
Never leave your keys in the vehicle.
Always park in a well-lighted area.
Never leave valuable objects in plain view. Remove them or secure them in the trunk
Protect your vehicle from theft. Always roll up your windows.
The County of Wellington OPP remind all vehicle owners-“Lock it or Lose It”
 
Editor’s Note: The above editorial was submitted to The Confederate by Mark Cloes, County of Wellington OPP Media and Community Services Officer.