BMW stolen by armed man in late-night Caledon carjacking

Published March 23, 2023 at 8:28 am

Police are searching for two suspects and reminding residents to stay alert on the roads following an armed carjacking in Caledon.

Around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday (March 21), the Caledon OPP says officers were called to Chinguacousy Rd. north of King St. in Caledon for reports of a carjacking.

Police say the owner of a black 2018 BMW 300 was driving when another vehicle, possibly another BMW or similar vehicle, forced the driver to stop.

That’s when police say two men exited the vehicle and forced the victim out of their car before stealing it. One of the men was armed with a weapon, police say.

The suspects are described as Black males standing over 6 feet tall and wearing dark-coloured clothing at the time of the robbery. Police say one of the suspects had a mid-length beard, while the other had a small amount of facial hair including a moustache and a goatee.

Police also say the suspects were heard speaking a language which was unknown to the victim during the incident.

Carjackings and vehicle thefts have been on the rise in the Region of Peel. Earlier this week police announced they had recovered dozens of Range Rovers and other luxury vehicles worth more than $10 million that were stolen from homes in Mississauga and Brampton and destined for the Middle East.

The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information about the incident or dashcam footage of the area around the time of the robbery to contact the Caledon OPP at 905-584-2241 or toll-free at 1-888-310-1122.

You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestroppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, you never have to testify, and you could receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 upon an arrest.

Police are also reminding residents to stay alert on the roads:

  • Always remain cognizant of your surroundings.
  • Lock doors and close windows while in your vehicle.
  • If approached by a person with a weapon or mention of a weapon, give your vehicle up without resistance.
  • If you feel as though you are being followed, drive directly to the nearest police station.
  • Use an audible alarm that can easily be activated to draw attention to your location.
  • Reverse into parking spots as this allows you to drive away if you notice someone approaching your vehicle.
  • If possible, always park in a well-lit area at night.
  • Equip your vehicle with a GPS tracker to assist police with their investigation.

Use heightened awareness when in these vulnerable areas:

  • Gas Stations: Keep doors locked while pumping gas.
  • ATM’s: Extra vigilance should be exercised at night and while using machines not enclosed in a structure.
  • Home Garages: Close your garage door at the earliest opportunity.
  • Parking Garages and Lots: Continue to be aware of surroundings and look for well-lit and populated areas to park.
  • Intersections and when stopped in traffic.
  • Parked in your vehicle: When stopped or parked in your vehicle, keep the doors locked. Avoid distractions such as a mobile phone that prevents you from being aware of your surroundings.

Safety tips for a parked vehicle:

  • As you approach your car, look around. Additionally, don’t use the key fob to locate your car as it may help carjackers verify their target.
  • Walk from behind your car and try to look into it.
  • Lock your door as soon as you are in your seat (this is the single-most effective countermeasure to carjackings).
  • Start your engine right away.
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