NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE
*************************************
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 Dec. 18, 2024, police received seven reports of stolen vehicles in Kitchener and Waterloo and one attempted theft report. In total two Toyota Tundras, two Toyota Tacomas, and three Lexus RX SUV's were stolen.
A third Toyota Tundra was attempted to be stolen. All of the vehicles were stolen from residential driveways during the night.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777, ext. 8255.
Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service encourages individuals to consider taking measures to help to prevent these thefts:
- Prior to purchasing any vehicle consult the Equite Association list of most commonly stolen vehicles available at equiteassociation.com
- Block the access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprograming the vehicle's key fob. (A simple device can be purchased online).
- 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 radio signals.
- 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.
*************************************