OPP investigating five vehicle break ins overnight in Amherstview
The Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating five reports of vehicles being broken into in Amherstview overnight.
According to a release from the OPP, sometime on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, between approximately 2 and 3 a.m., five separate vehicles were broken into around MacDougall Drive and Hogan Crescent in Amherstview. Numerous items were reportedly stolen from the vehicles.
The OPP said that one security camera caught three people walking around checking to see if vehicle doors were unlocked. One person was seen on video entering an unlocked vehicle.
“Suspect one appeared to be wearing a black hoodie with something written on the front, a hoodie pulled up over a black baseball cap, black pants, and black gloves. The second suspect appeared to be wearing a black coat, black toque, black gloves, and black pants. The third suspect appeared to be wearing a light-coloured coat with grey pants, and black gloves. There was a red or burgundy-coloured SUV seen driving on the street minutes before the three males were seen on security cameras. Unknown if the SUV is related or not,” the OPP reported.
According to the release, police are seeking the public’s assistance and ask that if you or someone you know has information concerning these thefts contact the Lennox and Addington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous, may submit a tip to Crime Stoppers at Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or online at Crimestoppers.ca.
“The video surveillance captured is a perfect example of how ‘Lock it OR Lose it’ works as these criminals just moved on to the next vehicle when it was locked,” police said.
“Leaving your vehicle unlocked is an invitation to would-be criminals to victimize you. An unlocked vehicle offers the opportunity for theft of the vehicle and/or its contents. An experienced thief can steal a car in as little as 30 seconds. By simply securing your vehicle and placing valuables out of sight you are making it far more difficult for criminals to steal that vehicle or its contents.”
The OPP suggested that vehicle owners/passengers can do simple things to decrease the risk of being victimized, such as:
- Never leave a running vehicle unattended
- Lock your doors
- Roll up your windows
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Keep your registration and proof of insurance in your wallet or purse, not in the glove box
- Pocket your keys
- At night or during extended parking periods, always park in a well-lit area
