Multiple vehicles entered overnight in Tavistock recently

By Lee Griffi

The Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received numerous reports of thefts from motor vehicles overnight on Sept. 30.

Sometime between approximately 1 and 5 a.m., unknown suspects entered unlocked vehicles on Halliday Drive, Bender Street and Queen Street. The Gazette has also been made aware of video footage on several other streets in the village.

Police said several valuables including wallets and identification were reported stolen. One of the unlocked vehicles had the keys left inside but a theft attempt failed as it was lodged between other vehicles.

Police say two suspects were seen wearing black pants, black hoodies and partial face coverings.

Oxford OPP Const. Randi Crawford encouraged residents to contact police if they see anything at all suspicious on their video surveillance systems.

“Let’s say you check your ring camera, or whatever you have, at 3 a.m. It may not have come to your home but maybe you will be able to see a vehicle or someone walking in front of your house in a certain direction.”

She added just like a puzzle, the more pieces police are able to get from residents, the easier it is to put those pieces together.

“Sometimes these people are being dropped off from outside areas, and it could be an organized crime group. Two, three or four people are checking vehicles to see if they are locked and grabbing what they can. They get picked up a couple hours later and away they go.”

In this case, the suspects were wearing masks, but Crawford said in some cases, a suspect will make a mistake and remove it, a move that could show up on a security camera.      

“Talk to your neighbours. If they’ve heard or seen anything, always feel free to give us a call.”

Police are reminding residents these types of thefts can be avoided and are urging residents to always remove valuables from vehicles and lock the doors.

“Even if you are going to a friend of family’s home for a couple hours; same thing. Either put items in the trunk where it is out of site or bring it inside. It only takes a couple of minutes for someone to see something and take it.”

Crawford added she was victimized by a theft of tools from her garage several years ago. She is well aware of how it feels to be violated.

“We are grateful the crimes weren’t more serious and no one was injured, but it’s still a feeling of being violated. We are aware of how horrible it feels and it takes a lot to call the police sometimes, but we want people to know they aren’t alone.”

The Oxford OPP offers a program called SafeGuard Ontario Property Safety Program. This is a free safety audit of residential and commercial properties with the assistance of trained auxiliary officers, something Crawford wished more people took advantage of.

“When people sign up, they will get a visit by a trained auxiliary officer to come to your home or small business. They walk around with you and identify certain areas where you could work on improving the safety of your property.”

To learn more about the program, visit www.opp.ca. Crawford added her goal isn’t to scare anyone but it is important to spread the word about crimes such as these.

“I would not be doing my job if I didn’t at least tell people what’s happening out there. When you know these things are happening in or close by where you live, it at least gives you the opportunity to look into it a little more. Talk to your friends, your family and see if there is any more you can do to not be a victim.”

Anyone with information that can assist police with these investigations can contact Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.