Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have recovered a stolen commercial motor vehicle and charged two individuals.
On September 1, 2022, while on a general patrol at approximately 12:26 p.m., an officer came across a transport truck parked on the shoulder of Merchant Road in the Town of Caledon. It was initially noted that the tailer had no plates. The officer approached the vehicle and observed two individuals sleeping inside. Once awaken, demands were ignored and the vehicle was put into motion in an attempt to flee, striking a police cruiser. The driver and passenger were placed under arrest. It was later discovered that the tractor and trailer were stolen that morning in the area of Airport Road and Mayfield Road.
As a result of the investigation, Jasvinder ATWAL, 44, of Brampton was charged with:
• Dangerous operation
• Flight from peace officer
• Assault peace officer
• Mischief
• Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
• Possession break in instruments
• Possession property obtained by crime over $5000, three counts
• Possession property obtained by crime under $5000
• Failure to comply with undertaking
• Failure to comply with release order, two counts
Navtej SINGH, 30, of North York, was also charged with:
• Possession break in instruments
• Possession property obtained by crime over $5000, three counts
• Possession property obtained by crime under $5000
Both accused are scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on November 17, 2022, to answer to the charges.
Caledon OPP is working actively with its various partners to combat the growing trend of auto thefts in the Region and across the province. If you observe unusual activity in your community, report it immediately to police by calling 911. 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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