During the late summer, it is common for the weather to reach the high 20's and low 30's before the humidity. And with this warm weather, it is common knowledge to be cautious when leaving either pets or children in a vehicle in this heat. But what do you do if you come across a child or animal locked in a vehicle under the hot August sun?

Deputy Police Chief with the Weyburn Police Service, Rod Stafford, says it's not always the right course of action to break into the vehicle in order to retrieve the animal or child.

"We've mentioned before in Weyburn that the police in Weyburn are only one to two minutes away at the best or worst of times," Stafford explained, "Unless it appears that the animal or infant child is literally on deaths doorstep, don't take any action yourself."

According to Stafford the proper steps to take if you come across a situation like this is to contact the Weyburn Police Service and the Fire Department as well. As they are often close and quick to respond, they will attend the scene and determine if they have the time to get the doors open or if they will need to shatter the glass.

"People are certainly well-meaning and well-intentioned, but if they go about breaking a window or damaging the vehicle when perhaps the person literally just parked the car and walked away from it and would be in the store for a minute and back," Stafford added. "That's certainly not endangering anybody's well being as far as the temperature goes."

Although, if the situation is life-or-death, breaking into the vehicle to rescue the infant or animal stuck is permitted. Stafford warns to be cautious, though, as if no lives were in danger, you could be charged with criminal mischief. 

Ultimately Stafford reaffirms that contacting the proper authorities before taking action is the right way to do things before taking matters into your own hands.