Officers from the 8 District (Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln) office of the Niagara Regional Police Service are seeing a recent increase in the number of auto thefts in West Niagara.
Since late January officers have responded to 14 incidents of stolen vehicles. Some of the vehicles stolen appear to be crimes of opportunity. Four vehicles were left unlocked, with the keys in the vehicle, along with valuables (wallets / purses).
Other stolen vehicles may have been targeted by an organized criminal element. Organized crime auto thefts may target specific SUVs, trucks, sport and luxury vehicles. On January 29, 2024, three Ford F150 pick up trucks were stolen.
The incidents have been assigned to the 8 District detectives office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1025400.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Click Here for Crime Stoppers Online
Auto Theft Prevention Tips
What to do if your vehicle is stolen?
If your vehicle is stolen, soon as possible contact the police and report it. Consider what if any valuables were in it. If evidence is available to support the investigation report it (e.g., items left behind by the thief or video evidence). If you have a tracking device report that to police.
Members of the public are discouraged from going out and following or attempting to recover their own vehicle without police involvement. If a member of the public finds their vehicle, they should immediately report it to the police. They should not get in and drive as it may result in the loss of evidence and they would be driving a vehicle that is listed as stolen across Canada.
