OPP News

OPP Investigating Multiple Thefts Of Motor Vehicles

Vehicle Owners are Reminded to ALWAYS “Pocket Your Keys”

On January 13, 2024, members of the Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received multiple reports of stolen vehicles from various locations within the Municipalities of Leamington, Tecumseh, and the Colchester area in the Town of Essex.

It was determined that four vehicles were reported stolen between 5:56 p.m., on January 13, 2024, to 8:44 a.m., on January 14, 2024.

Two of the vehicles were recovered a short distance away from where they were stolen however police are still searching for the other two outstanding vehicles.

The first vehicle is described as a 2002, Grey Toyota Sienna, which had been stolen from a Leamington convenience store parking lot. The second vehicle is described as a 2011, White Kia Sorrento. This vehicle was stolen from the driveway of a Tecumseh residence. It was determined that the vehicles stolen were left unattended with the keys in the ignition.

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 public assistance. If anyone has any information surrounding theses incidents, they are being asked to call the Essex County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Photo by Mike Gosselin

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