WRPS Continue to Investigate Multiple Vehicle Thefts in the Region
Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service's Break, Enter, and Vehicle Theft (BEVT) Team are investigating after several vehicles were reported stolen in the Region.
On December 18, 2024, police received seven reports of stolen vehicles in Kitchener and Waterloo and one report of an attempted theft. Two Toyota Tundras, two Toyota Tacomas, and three Lexus RX SUVs were stolen.
A third attempt to steal a Toyota Tundra was unsuccessful.
All the vehicles were stolen from residential driveways during the night.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777, extension 8255.
Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service encourages individuals to consider taking measures to help prevent these thefts:
- Prior to purchasing any vehicle, consult the Équité Association list of most commonly stolen vehicles, available at https://www.equiteassociation.com/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles.
- Block the access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprogramming the vehicle's key fob (a simple device can be purchased online).
- Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft.
- Place the vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block radio signals when not in use.
- Consider equipping your vehicle with an aftermarket Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker or immobilizer unit. The tracker may assist police in locating the vehicle and/or suspects.
- Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle or unattended.
- If you observe suspicious people in your neighbourhood looking into vehicles, we encourage you to call police immediately.
A crime in progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1. Any non-emergency incidents can be reported online at wrps.on.ca or by calling 519-570-9777.