Over the past 24 hours, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 8 District (Grimsby) have responded to four incidents involving stolen Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
The stolen vehicles consist of the following:
• 2019 Toyota Highlander x2
• 2018 Toyota Highlander
• 2018 Lexus RX
All vehicles have been reported stolen from the south side of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) in the Town of Grimsby. In some cases, the vehicles were left locked, and the keys/fobs were secured inside the registered owners residence.
Detectives assigned to the 8 District Criminal Investigative Branch have assumed carriage of these investigations and are appealing to members of the public for assistance.
Anyone with information about these incidents are asked to contact 8 District detectives at 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.
Incidents #22-93277, #22-93368, #22-93334, #22-93317
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Car Theft Prevention Tips
Members of the public who own Toyota Highlanders should consider:
• Installing exterior motion lighting
• Installing a personalized GPS tracker for their vehicle
• Using physical barriers such as gates, garages, fences, or another parked vehicle
• Strategically parking the vehicle in a well-lit area, within range of quality video camera surveillance
Toyota Tips (Source – Toyota)
• Using a Blocking Pouch. A blocking pouch prevents remote access to your key fob. The fob’s radio frequency is isolated, and transmission of the frequency is prevented thanks to the pouch’s metallic lining. These simple, small, and cheap pouches fit most key fobs.
• Turning off Keyless Entry. The wireless signal transmitted by your key fob can be manually turned off, eliminating the ability of thieves to intercept the signal.
• Putting on a Steering Wheel Lock. Thieves planning to rely on digital tools to steal your vehicle now face a physical obstacle when a steering wheel lock is in place.
• Engaging a Vehicle Wheel Clamp. Another physical barrier anti-theft device, a tire clamp or boot means that thieves literally cannot move your vehicle to steal it.