Thieves target unlocked homes in Oakville to steal high-end vehicles from driveway

Oakville residents are being warned that leaving the doors on your house unlocked could prove costly and lead to having your vehicle stolen out of your driveway.

Halton Regional Police have identified a trend in similar auto thefts in Oakville and are issuing some updated theft prevention tips for local residents.

Police have been investigating six incidents of a similar nature since May 19 where thieves target the keys of high-end vehicles that are parked in the driveway.

“Most often thieves are looking for unlocked doors to houses in order to grab keys hanging near the front door,” said Halton police.

In one of the cases however, a window was broken in order to gain access to the house and steal the keys.

Police say these thefts are occurring overnight and in the early morning. So far none of the thefts have been violent.

The auto thefts are mostly happening throughout the Oakville are and are not limited to one neighbourhood.

Halton police are recommending residents follow these safety tips:

• Make sure all access points to your home are locked.
• If possible, park your vehicle in a garage or out of sight.
• Do not confront someone breaking into your home, call police immediately.
• Consider installing an after-market tracking device for your vehicle.
• Report suspicious activity (thieves often scout homes and vehicles in advance).

Anyone with information regarding these investigations is asked to contact 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2316.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through their website at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.