TECHNOLOGY: FRIEND OR FOE?

The evolution of technology is a gift for society. In the past decades, our society has been exponentially dominated by opportunities, connections and experiences provided by technology, and these unprecedented COVID-19 times have given us new reasons to become more tech-dependent. Technology has changed from being the base of life to the life base itself. It plays a significant role in easing our day-to-day activities. However, one must also be responsible for ensuring it is handled properly. We are exposing ourselves to a world potentially taken over by overuse of technology in daily life, leading to fraud and depiction of self-worth.

We are thankful that technology has made our lives more convenient. Still, with the boon of technology also comes the bane, which carries various visible and invisible effects on individuals and the community altogether.

In the recent past, there has been a rise in car thefts in the Region of Peel, and one of the most common modi operandi (methods) used by thieves is by hacking key fobs for keyless cars.

To protect your car from thieves, here are some quick tips.

• Always keep your car keys at the farthest points from your car.

• Don’t leave your car unattended while it’s running.

• Keep your keys in a signal-blocking case so thieves cannot use them to unlock your car.

• Use a steering wheel lock.

• Park your car in a locked garage.

• Motion-detecting lighting and CCTV are significant crime deterrents.

• Stolen cars have a higher chance of retrieval when fitted with a GPS tracking device.

Neighbourhoods with higher rates of thefts lead to higher auto insurance pricing, and anti-theft features may impact the bottom line of your car insurance.

As in the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do little; together we can do so much,” and Neighbourhood Watch is an amazing example where the community is working together and helping each other.

So, let’s come together as a community and do our part of the responsibility, adhere to the preventive guidelines communicated by Peel police and reach for a shared aim of a safer community.

For more information, visit safecitymississauga.on.ca/programs/neighbourhood-watch/.