MOUNT FOREST – On Jan. 31 at about 8:30pm, Wellington County OPP received a report that a vehicle had just been stolen from a business on Main Street North here.
The stolen vehicle was a 2007 Grey GMC Sierra pickup truck with Ontario license plate AA77620.
“An unknown person was captured on surveillance footage entering the parked vehicle and driving away,” police stated in a press release.
“They are described as appearing to be a Caucasian male wearing a baseball cap, a sweatshirt and a dark pair of overalls.”
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at www.csgw.tips. Tip providers may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.
OPP issues theft warning for newer trucks, SUVs
ORILLIA – The OPP is warning owners of newer pickup trucks and SUVs to be aware that groups of organized criminals are targeting these vehicles in thefts across the province.
Police say the criminals may scout a neighbourhood days beforehand, recording vehicle identification numbers (VIN), searching for alarm systems, and identifying vehicles to steal.
“The criminals will then return under the cover of darkness, often committing the thefts during evening and early morning hours,” states an OPP press release.
“The current tools being used are high-tech and can circumvent the existing anti-theft technologies on vehicles in a very short amount of time. Thieves may amplify or copy the frequency of the key fob, which are usually left by the front door, start your vehicle, and drive away.”
Police are offering the following tips to owners to help reduce their chances of becoming a victim:
– report suspicious activity in your neighbourhood;
– park in a well-lit area;
– place keys in a “Faraday bag” and do not store them by the front door or in front of windows. This bag will isolate the key fob’s signal and prevent its frequency from being copied or amplified;
– park in a garage if possible;
– consider installing a security camera, which can provide alerts, often in real time, about suspicious activity on the property;
– a steering wheel lock, such as “The Club,” can make vehicles a less desirable target;
– install a secondary audible alarm;
– use temporary means to cover the VIN displayed on the front windshield of the vehicle. Do not alter it or modify it; and
– store vehicle ownership, proof of insurance, and any other sensitive documents in a wallet or purse, not the glove box.
