On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at approximately 6:20 a.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Oxford County Detachment investigated a report of stolen vehicle from a Mall Road, Norwich Township address.

 

It was determined that in the early morning hours, unknowns attended the address and gained entry into an unlocked vehicle that was parked in the driveway of the residence. Once inside, unknowns removed the ownership and insurance to the vehicle as well as a spare key to a second vehicle that was also parked in the driveway.

 

The second vehicle was then entered and driven away in an unknown direction.

 

The stolen vehicle is described as a white, 2016 Ford Transit van.

 

Below are some simple steps to help reduce the number of stolen vehicles and protect you as the vehicle owner:

  • Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
  • Do not leave your vehicle running.
  • Lock your vehicle.
  • Treat your keys like cash – Don’t leave keys in places where they are easy to steal such as a gym locker, on your desk at work, in an open purse or unattended in a shopping cart.
  • Never leave anything in your vehicle in plain view such as loose change, cell phones, cameras, clothing, gifts, cigarettes, medication, firearms or any other valuables.
  • Install a remote car starter – Remote starters are designed to shut off if anyone attempts to drive the vehicle without a key. This will allow you to warm up your car without risk of theft.

Police are continuing to investigate and is seeking assistance from the public. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are being asked to contact the Oxford County OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.oxfordcrimestoppers.comwhere you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Theft is a crime of opportunity that you can help control — #PocketYourKeys.

“#PocketYourKeys is not only about vehicle theft, it’s about our responsibilities to ensure our communities are safe by taking a simple preventative measure; it’s a public safety initiative that will protect both property and people.” – Inspector Tony Hymers, Oxford County OPP, Detachment Commander.

 

With files from the OPP

Filed under: crimestoppers, opp, theft