Niagara Regional Police in District 8 (Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln) have announced an increase in the number of motor vehicle thefts in West Niagara.
Police said in a news release that officers have responded to 14 vehicle theft incidents since late January.
Some of the thefts appear to be crimes of opportunity. Police said four vehicles were left unlocked and keys were left inside along with valuables (including wallets).
Other vehicles may also have been targeted by organized crime elements. Organized crime car thefts tend to target specific SUVs, trucks, sports cars, and luxury vehicles.
According to police, three Ford F150 pickup trucks were stolen on January 29th.
The case was assigned to the Eighth District Criminal Office. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact investigators at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1025400.
Members of the public wishing to provide information anonymously can contact Niagara Crime Stoppers online or call 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers a reward to anyone who contacts the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Meanwhile, police offered the following auto theft prevention tips:
- Lock the vehicle: Always lock your car, even if you leave for a short time. Make sure all windows and sunroofs are also closed.
- Use anti-theft devices. Invest in anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks, car alarms, and immobilizers. These can deter theft and make your vehicle more difficult to steal.
- Park in a well-lit area: When parking, choose a well-lit and crowded place. Don’t leave your car in a secluded or poorly lit area, as this could be a hiding place for theft.
- Keep valuables out of sight: Keep valuables out of sight, or carry them with you if possible. Leaving items like electronics, bags, and wallets in plain view can attract thieves.
- Hide your spare key safely: Do not leave your spare key in or in your car. Thieves know common hiding spots and can easily break into your car once they find them.
- Install a tracking device. Consider installing a GPS tracking device in your car. This will help find your car if it is stolen and help law enforcement retrieve it.
- Be careful with key security: Keep your car keys safe and never leave them unattended or in sight. Thieves can use key duplication and signal amplification to steal vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems.
- Be careful with remote starters: If your vehicle has a remote starter function, be careful not to leave the engine running. Thieves can easily steal your car if it’s left idling, especially during colder months.
- Make your garage safe: If you have a garage, use it to park your car. Keep your garage door closed and locked, and consider installing additional security measures such as motion sensor lights and security cameras.
- Beware of scams: Be wary of scams posing as parking wardens or offering to perform vehicle maintenance. Always check the legitimacy of a service provider before entrusting your car to them.
What should I do if my car is stolen?
If your car is stolen, report it to the police as soon as possible. Think about what would happen if there were valuables inside. Report any evidence available to support your investigation (for example, items left behind by the thief or video evidence). If you have a tracking device, please report it to the police.
Police said members of the public are cautioned against going out and tailgating or attempting to recover their vehicles without police involvement. If a member of the public spots your vehicle, please call the police immediately. You should not get in and drive as evidence may be lost and you will be driving a vehicle that is listed as stolen across Canada.