A Winnipeg woman is issuing a warning to car owners after her vehicle was stolen not once, but twice in a matter of weeks.
The first incident occurred on December 28, when the woman’s car was taken from her driveway in the St. Vital area. She reported the theft to police and her vehicle was eventually recovered, but with significant damage.
Just two weeks later, on January 11, the woman’s car was stolen again, this time from a parking lot in the Osborne Village area. The vehicle has yet to be found.
In an interview with CTV News, the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her frustration and concern for other car owners in the city.
“I feel violated and unsafe,” she said. “I never thought this would happen to me, but it did, and it could happen to anyone.”
The woman is now urging others to take precautions to protect their vehicles. She suggests investing in a steering wheel lock, parking in well-lit areas, and never leaving valuables in plain sight.
According to Winnipeg Police, there were 5,000 reported vehicle thefts in 2020, an increase of 20% from the previous year. They also note that many of these thefts are crimes of opportunity, with thieves targeting unlocked cars or those with visible valuables.
In response to the recent incidents, police are reminding car owners to always lock their vehicles and to never leave spare keys inside.
The woman is hopeful that her story will serve as a cautionary tale and encourage others to take necessary precautions to keep their vehicles safe.
“I don’t want anyone else to go through what I have,” she said. “It’s a terrible feeling to have your sense of security taken away.”
Winnipeg Police are continuing to investigate both incidents and are asking anyone with information to come forward. In the meantime, car owners are reminded to be vigilant and take steps to protect their vehicles from potential theft.
