DON’T BE A VICTIM TO AUTO THEFT: OPP

June 21, 2023 · 0 Comments

Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of important reminders to best protect yourself from vehicle thefts.

“Auto theft continues to be a commonly reported property-related crime in Caledon and across the province,” say Police. “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. Another methodology is ‘relay thefts’ and it 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 – 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 – this could add a significant 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); and,

Insert a car tracker – unusual activity is monitored, and car can be tracked using GPS technology 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.

If you see unusual activity in your community, report it 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, and you never have to testify.

DRIVERS CHARGED

Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have recently charged two drivers as a result of two separate traffic complaints.

“On June 17, 2023, shortly after 7 p.m., Caledon OPP received a report that an individual was possibly operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. During the investigation, grounds were formed to arrest the driver.”

As a result, Raymond Inman, 58, of Caledon, was charged with:

Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero

The charges have not been proven.

“On June 18, 2023, just before 3:00 a.m., a motorist reported a vehicle that was being driven in a concerning manner on Highway 10, near Old School Road. Officers located the vehicle and formed grounds that it was being operated while the driver was impaired by alcohol.”

As a result of the investigation, Varinder Singh, 27, of Orangeville, was charged with:

Failure or refusal to comply with demand

The charge has not been proven.

Both drivers are scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on July 6, 2023, to answer to their charges. Both driver’s licences were suspended for 90 days, and the vehicles were impounded for 14 days.

“For drivers who fail or refuse to comply with a breath demand, the penalty is the same as being charged with impaired operation. If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan to not drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi or public transit, or come up with another plan that takes impaired driving out of the picture. The OPP relies on the public to report crime. Impaired driving is a crime that should be treated no differently. Caledon OPP would like to thank the two members of the public for reporting the traffic complaints.”

If you suspect an impaired driver, report it by calling 9-1-1. 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, and you never have to testify.

For more information about the penalties of driving impaired, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving

IMPAIRED DRIVING

The Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged a driver with impaired operation and removed the driver from the road.

“On June 19, 2023, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers from Dufferin OPP responded to a complaint of a possible impaired driver in the Town of Orangeville,” say Police. “Officers located the vehicle a short time later on Hansen Boulevard and were led into an impaired driving investigation.”

As a result, Tushar Vala, 42-year-old from Orangeville, has been charged with:

Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

Their driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle impounded for a period of seven days.

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in the Town of Orangeville at a later date in July, 2023.

The charge has not been proven.

“Thank you to the concerned citizen who contacted police with this potentially lifesaving information. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, please call 9-1-1. You could be saving a life!

“Dufferin OPP continues to conduct R.I.D.E spot checks daily as drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs continue to pose a threat to Ontario roads. The Dufferin OPP reminds motorist to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, cab, rideshare, public transit or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you

“Members of the Dufferin OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities.”

If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-822-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.