Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have recovered stolen vehicles and laid charges stemming from two ongoing auto theft investigations.
From August 3 to August 15, 2022, eight RAM trucks were stolen from the Bolton area. They were all taken from residential driveways between the hours of approximately 2 am and 4 am. The Caledon Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) investigated and located potential suspects in the Toronto area. On August 18, 2022, the Caledon CSCU arrested these suspects in Brampton. As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were charged:
Yassine DENDANE, 19, of Montreal, with:
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Fail to comply with Probation Order
The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on November 3, 2022, to answer to the charges.
Mohamed ZAHED, 19, of Montreal, with:
• Possession of Cocaine
The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on October 3, 2022, to answer to the charge.
The RAM pick up trucks remain outstanding. The investigation is ongoing.
On August 18, 2022, Caledon OPP was alerted of a stolen vehicle tracked to a shipping yard in Bolton. Once on scene, the investigation led officers to a specific shipping container scheduled to be shipped overseas. Once opened, two vehicles were found inside:
2021 Ranger Rover HSE
• 2021 Ranger Rover HSE – valued at approximately $115,000
• 2020 Lexus RX350 – valued at approximately $50,000m (pictured at the top of the article)
Both had been reported stolen, one to Toronto Police Service and the other to Peel Regional Police.
Caledon OPP is working actively with its various partners to combat the growing trend of auto thefts in the Region and across the province. Both investigations are ongoing. If you have any information, please contact police by calling 905-584-2241. Additionally, if you observe unusual activity in your community, report it immediately to police. Make note of vehicle licence plates if you can. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, you never have to testify, and you could receive a cash reward of up to $2000 upon an arrest.
Caledon OPP is committed to enforcement initiatives targeting this issue and will continue to educate residents on crime prevention strategies to minimize victimization.
Auto theft crime prevention tips:
Today’s auto thieves are increasingly turning to technology that bypasses security systems allowing vehicles to be stolen. Electronic auto theft is on the rise as more vehicles are equipped with technology such as keyless entry fobs. In fact, the insurance industry has seen the growing trend that thieves are able to copy fob information and steal cars right from your driveway. The term “relay thefts” involves the use of equipment designed to boost and exploit the signals sent out by a vehicle’s legitimate key fob. This allows for a thief to unlock and start an engine of a vehicle remotely.
Residents can help protect their vehicles by taking any of the following crime prevention measures:
• Ensure your vehicle keys are kept well away from doors and windows
• Use a signal blocking pouch/box – they can block your key fob from transmitting its code to the vehicle as the pouch is lined with layers or metallic material
• Turn off the keyless fob wireless signal at night (refer to your car manual for instructions)
• Use a steering wheel lock or car alarm – this could add a significantly delay or be a deterrent for thieves
• Consider a secondary audible car alarm – which works by using sensors placed in different points of your vehicle
• Park in the garage (if possible)
• Insert a car tracker – unusual activity is monitored, and car can be tracked using GPS if stolen
Police and its insurance industry partners also want to raise public awareness about the opportunities for criminals who intend to steal personal identification from unsecured vehicles. Licenses, insurance, vehicle ownerships, passports, as well as mobile devices or laptops, offer criminals the opportunity to further victimize individuals who do not lock their vehicles, or who leave their valuables in plain view.
Vehicle owners/passengers can do simple things to decrease the risk of being victimized, such as:
• Never leave a running vehicle unattended
• Lock your doors
• Roll up your windows
• Keep valuables out of sight
• Keep your registration and proof of insurance in your wallet or purse, not in the glove box
• Pocket your keys
• At night or during extended parking periods, always park in a well-lit area.
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