Waterloo Regional Police say they are investigating multiple vehicle theft reports across the region involving Toyota Tundra trucks.
Between Sept. 27 and 30, police say they received seven motor vehicle theft reports involving Tundras. Police characterized six of the reports as "attempted thefts".
The thefts typically occur in the early morning hours and entry is gained by breaking the rear door windows, police said.
"If you observe suspicious people in your neighbourhood who are looking into vehicles, we encourage you to call police immediately. This will assist investigators in tracking patterns of criminal behaviour and potentially identifying suspects," police said in a news release.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service said it is committed to reducing vehicle theft as a recipient of funding provided by the Ontario Government Preventing Auto Theft Grant.
Police encouraged owners to consider taking the following to help prevent thefts:
- Block the access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprogramming the vehicle's key fob or purchase an aftermarket immobilizer.
- Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft.
- When not in use, place the vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals.
- Consider equipping your vehicle with an aftermarket Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker, as organized groups can easily defeat onboard manufacturing tracking. The tracker may assist police in locating the vehicle and/or suspects.
- Consider installing a wired camera system and audible alarm, as subjects are known to carry devices with the ability to jam wireless cameras.
- Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle or unattended.
A crime in progress can be reported by calling 911. Non-emergency incidents can be reported by calling 519-570-9777.
