NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH POLICE
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The Guelph Police Service would like to report a spike in stolen GMC/Chevy vehicles, specifically pickup trucks. Within the last three months, there have been 20 reported stolen GMC/Chevy vehicles, 15 of them being pickup trucks.
Theft of these vehicles has not been due to keys being used and there is no indication that glass was broken to gain entry. Guelph police continue to investigate these incidents.
If you have information about these vehicle thefts, police are asking you to call D/Cst. Chris Probst at 519-824-1212 ext. 7342 or anonymously at Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. You can also submit a Crimestoppers tip online at www.gwcs.tips.
Your vehicle is an expensive investment. If your vehicle is stolen, the inconvenience and insurance cost to you outweighs the prevention cost. Most vehicle theft is opportunistic and therefore preventable.
Tips to prevent vehicle theft:
Do not leave your vehicle running - Under no circumstances should you leave your vehicle unattended while running with the key in the ignition. NOTE: Automatic car starters are not a problem; they are designed to shut off if attempts are made to steal the vehicle.
No Spare Keys - Do not leave a spare key hidden in the vehicle. Thieves look for spare keys, and once they break into your vehicle they know all the hiding spots. You can get a spare key holder for your wallet or purse.
Lock Up Your Vehicle - Always check that the doors, windows, and sun roofs are shut and locked when you park your vehicle. As well, leave your vehicle in a locked garage where possible. If the crime rate is high in your area also lock your vehicle even when it is in the locked garage.
Be aware of where you park - When parking your vehicle at work, visiting, going to appointments etc., park in parking lots that will have more than one of the following:
- Security cameras;
- Security patrolling the parking lot;
- Someone working at an entrance/exit booth;
- A gated parking lot that needs a pass to get in and out;
- Well lit at night and during the day;
- A busy parking lot with lots of people coming and going or an area where there is lots of vehicle or pedestrians passing by.
Do not leave items in your vehicle - Thieves can be attracted to your car because numerous items are left in plain sight. Never leave anything in your vehicle. That means loose change, cell phones, CDs, cameras, clothing, sunglasses, cigarettes, cigarette lighters, and any other items.
Install an Alarm - Alarms can deter thieves not only from stealing your vehicle, but also from stealing items from your vehicle. Caution is needed that you do not set your alarm to sensitive. Storms, wind, or large trucks passing by your vehicle can set it off. Too many false alarms and people will ignore it or get upset that it is always going off.
Use a Steering Wheel Locking Device (e.g. The Club) - A well-secured car will deter thieves. There are other devices available to consumers to stop thieves from easily stealing your vehicle.
Cost - The only item listed above that could be considered expensive is an alarm system. Even if you follow some of the above listed suggestions, you have greatly decreased and almost eliminated the chance your vehicle will be stolen at a minimal cost to you.
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