Car theft is a growing problem in Canada, thankfully in Winnipeg, we have the Air1 helicopter that helps police to track down and find the stolen vehicle fast! A new report from the Canadian Insurance Bureau says that picky car thieves are increasingly targeting Ford trucks and high-end SUVs. At the same time, the total number of car thefts continues to grow throughout the country.
A 22-year-old man is in custody after a brazen carjacking in Winnipeg’s downtown.
Last Thursday, February 21st a 20-year-old man told police his cargo van had been stolen by a man with a knife at Edmonton Street and Broadway. Police said the suspect abandoned the van later in Norwood, found another unoccupied car running nearby and attempted to drive off, but got stuck in a snowbank.
According to police, the man got into another car and stole clothing inside, which he put on, but the car’s owner confronted him, so he returned the clothes and fled.
Later police officers were able to track down and arrest the suspect. Riley Craig Vermette faces charges of motor vehicle theft, three counts of robbery, break and enter, and driving without a valid license.
The Canadian insurance bureau reports in its annual list of the most frequently stolen cars that the Ford F-Series trucks again ranked first. Henry Tso, vice president of the board of inquiry, says thieves in Ontario and Alberta prefer trucks, and in Atlantic Canada, Nissan Maxima, as well as Chevy Silverado and Jeep Liberty are most often stolen.
Fellow Winnipeggers, please be careful where you leave your vehicle, as the report shows almost no car theft occurred at Parkades and underground garages, as they are equipped with multiple security cameras and have gates, where you have to stop and pay to get out, also security guards at the premises discourage car thieves. So think twice before leaving your vehicle just on the street, try to avoid bad neighborhoods and keep an eye on your car keys.