Skip to content

Vehicle stolen from coffee shop

The vehicle was located abandoned a short distance away
auto theft burglar
Stock image

NEWS RELEASE

GUELPH POLICE SERVICE

************************
Early this morning at approximately 2:30 a.m., a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe was left running while the owner went into a local coffee shop and when he came out, the vehicle was gone. Within the hour, the vehicle was located abandoned a short distance away undamaged.

Since April 1 of this year, there have been 33 vehicles that have been stolen using the keys to each vehicle. Vehicles have been left running, keys have been left in other unlocked family vehicles or in unlocked garages. There were two incidents where keys were left in a public place locker.

The bigger issue that needs to be addressed when it comes to vehicle thefts is the potential effect it has on public safety. It has become an alarmingly routine occurrence that when police attempt to approach or stop a suspected stolen motor vehicle, these drivers simply accelerate and speed away from police. They show no regard for anyone around them and will do whatever they need to evade police and capture. Police will not engage in pursuits that put the public at risk, and criminals know this.

Recently there have also been three incidents in our area where only quick reaction by officers avoided injury by drivers of stolen vehicles who have driven directly at them. It is happening in other jurisdictions as well.

This community knows all too well the tragedy that occurs when someone with this mindset is trying to evade capture in a stolen vehicle and as a result, someone is killed.

The consistent message from the Guelph Police Service is that we all have a role to play in public safety. Despite everyone’s best efforts, criminals will continue to steal vehicles. But please let’s minimize the opportunity and do not leave your vehicle running at any time when you are not in it. If your car keys are not kept on your person, be diligent to keep them in a locked place.

For our part, the Guelph Police Service is preparing to launch Project Century that will be a collaborative effort with a number of police units to specifically target the theft of vehicles and those that would/do steal them. The goal of this project is to significantly impact this particular crime and enhance public safety.  

************************