Waterloo Regional Police are reminding Cambridge residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables following a series of thefts from vehicles and attempted vehicle entries reported throughout the city over the past month.

Between June 30 and July 24, 2026, WRPS officers investigated 43 incidents involving thefts from vehicles and attempted vehicle entries at residential addresses across Cambridge.

Investigators identified several areas with higher concentrations of incidents, including:

• Concession Road area between Eagle Street North and Langs Drive, where nine incidents were reported
• Franklin Boulevard and Winston Boulevard area, where five incidents were reported
• Arthur Fach Drive and Coulthard Boulevard, where five incidents were reported

Many of the incidents occurred overnight, with suspects targeting vehicles parked in residential driveways. Investigators have determined that a significant number of the vehicles involved had been left unlocked.

“These incidents highlight how thefts from vehicles are often crimes of opportunity,” said Staff Sergeant Jay MacSween of the Waterloo Regional Police Service's South Division Crime Suppression, Analysis, and Response (CSAR) Unit. “Taking a few seconds to lock your vehicle, remove valuables, and secure personal information can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.”

In response, Waterloo Regional Police have launched a two-week Lock It or Lose It campaign running from July 30 to August 13, 2026.

As part of the campaign, members of the South Division CSAR Unit and Waterloo Regional Police Auxiliary members will attend neighbourhoods affected by these incidents to promote crime prevention. Officers and Auxiliary members will distribute educational materials and engage with residents about vehicle security.

Waterloo Regional Police encourage residents to:

• Lock all unoccupied vehicles
• Remove valuables from vehicles or keep them out of sight
• Take wallets, purses, keys, electronics, and identification documents inside
• Never leave bank cards, financial information, or personal identification in a vehicle
• Report suspicious persons or activity in their neighbourhood immediately

Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to call the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777, extension 2207.