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Rash of vehicle 'warm-up' thefts prompts police warning

York Regional Police is also reminding you to never leave children unattended in a vehicle left running while at a gas station, convenience store, bank machine or any other premises, even if just for a few minutes
NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police is reminding citizens they can prevent warm-up thefts by never leaving their vehicle running unattended. This after three vehicles were stolen in Vaughan during a two-hour period on Sunday.

On Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, between 5:40 and 7:40 a.m., three vehicles were stolen from driveways all within a neighbourhood located north of Highway 7 and east of Highway 27. In each case, the driver went out, started the vehicle, to warm it up, and left it unattended for a few minutes. When they went back outside, the vehicle was gone.

When temperatures drop, York Regional Police regularly respond to stolen vehicle incidents after drivers warm up their vehicles while leaving them unattended. Criminals can very quickly seize the opportunity to simply drive the vehicle away.

Citizens are reminded that criminals will watch areas and specifically look for vehicles left running and unattended in a driveway. It can take only seconds for a thief to get in your vehicle and drive it away.

Vehicles stolen during warm-up thefts range from high-end to low-end in value. It does not appear that a specific make or model has been targeted. These are crimes of opportunity and completely preventable.

York Regional Police is also reminding citizens to never leave their children unattended in a vehicle that has been left running while at a gas station, convenience store, bank machine or any other premises, even if it’s just for a few minutes: thieves are waiting for you to make that mistake. While you are at home, keep keys out of sight, not near the door or hanging on a hook near the door. This is also a perfect opportunity for a thief.

Remember, crime prevention is the responsibility of both the public and the police and warm-up thefts can easily be prevented.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com

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