(MUNICIPALITY OF WEST PERTH, ON) – On Tuesday September 15, 2015, at approximately 5:30 a.m. a rural resident of Line 32 South East of Mitchell was awakened by the sound of his son’s pickup truck being started in the laneway. He observed the pickup truck speed away in an east bound direction on Line 32.
The resident took another vehicle and proceeded to drive in the direction he last observed the pickup truck. While driving, he came upon a burning minivan on Road 150 west of Carlingford. The West Perth Fire Dept. attended the scene and extinguished the fire while the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was contacted.
Police investigation into the burned-out minivan is continuing, however it is suspected that this vehicle has been stolen from a neighbouring municipality.
Information was received advising that the stolen pickup truck was observed in the area of Erie St. in the south end of Stratford shortly after 8 a.m., and a short time later was observed travelling east bound on Perth Line 33. The pickup truck remains outstanding.
Description of pickup truck: Silver, 2006 Dodge RPC 3500 pickup truck diesel. The vehicle has 4 doors, oversized tires, and a loud exhaust, a yellow “Smarty” sticker is located in the rear window. Ontario licence plates 332 0FP (farm plates) are attached to the vehicle.
This stolen pickup truck is one of eleven cars and trucks that have been stolen in Perth County Since July 01, 2015. Of these eleven stolen vehicles, ten were left unlocked and had the keys left inside (some keys were left in the ignitions). Nine of these eleven stolen vehicles were removed from rural properties.
Vehicle thefts are not limited to Perth County as other neighbouring counties, municipalities and cities are also experiencing similar issues. The stolen vehicles are often used for other criminal activities such as thefts, break-ins and robberies.
The Perth County OPP wants to remind vehicle owners that by simply locking vehicles and removing the ignition keys many of these thefts could be averted. Vehicle owners need to remember that a thief can steal your vehicle in less than 30 seconds. A vehicle with an unlocked door or an open window is an easy target. Protect your vehicle and valuables from theft.
Always roll up your vehicle’s windows
Lock the doors and pocket the keys when you park your car.
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
