2004 Chevrolet Silverado Stolen – Plate 2629FB

(MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH PERTH, ON) – Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were called to a farm property on Wednesday September 30, 2015, in response to the theft of a pickup truck.

The grey 2004 Chevrolet Silverado (single cab) pickup truck was removed from an open shed on the farm property along Road 152 north east of Listowel. The truck which had the keys left in the ignition was driven away, sometime between 5 p.m. Tuesday September 29th, and 9 a.m. Wednesday September 30th. The truck had an Ontario licence plate 2629FB attached.

Sad statistics:

– This is the twelfth motor vehicle theft in Perth County in the past 3 months

– Of these twelve stolen vehicles, eleven were unlocked and had the keys left inside.

– Ten of the vehicles were stolen from rural properties, most vehicles were pickup trucks

– Wellington, Huron and Perth Counties have seen high rates of vehicle thefts in the past 6 months, with 60% of the thefts occurring to vehicles that were unlocked and had the keys inside

– The majority of vehicle thefts have occurred between 7 p.m. – 6 a.m.

– Many of these stolen vehicles are used in the commission of criminal offences

– Many of these vehicles when recovered are found to be extensively damaged

“We seem to be having a difficult time changing the habits of our rural residents when it comes to locking their vehicles and removing the keys from inside. The number of motor vehicle thefts in Perth County these past few months is disturbing, especially knowing that 11 of the 12 vehicles were unlocked and had the keys inside.” Staff Sergeant Joel Skelding, Perth County OPP

Please adhere to these vehicle protection tips;

Always roll up your vehicle’s windows

Lock the doors and pocket the keys when you park your vehicle.

Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area.

If you have a garage, use it and lock the garage door as well as your vehicle.

Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running

Never leave valuable objects or packages in full view.

Watch out for suspicious people or activity in your neighbourhood. Call police immediately, don’t delay; your information may help solve a crime.

The Perth County OPP is requesting anyone with information about vehicle thefts or the whereabouts of stolen vehicles, to contact them at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000

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