THUNDER BAY – On Monday, January 22, 2018, at 2:15 am, a Thunder Bay Police Service uniformed officer on general patrol observed a vehicle being driven by a young male who was believed to be an unlicensed driver.
The officer conducted a traffic stop at Arthur Street and the Expressway. The driver identified himself and was confirmed to be unlicensed. The male advised that he took the vehicle from the County Park area. The registered owner was contacted and the vehicle confirmed stolen. The undamaged vehicle was returned to the owner.
The 17-year-old male was arrested charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000. He appeared in court and was remanded into custody.
Across the city, residents are reporting on social media of a number of break-ins to their motor vehicles. The thefts are happening during the night, and appear to be individuals checking parked vehicles and taking valuables out of those vehicles.
The Ontario Provincial Police offer some tips for vehicle owners.
Police recommend some of these crime prevention strategies to reduce the possibility of being victimized:
- Lock your vehicle.
- Don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle in plain view.
- Park your vehicle in a driveway or if you have a garage use it and lock it.
- If you have to leave your vehicle on the street, lock it and park it in a well-lit area.
- Completely close all vehicle windows when parked.
- Engrave expensive accessories so that the thief will have difficulty disposing of them.
- Keep your driver’s license and vehicle registration with you, in your wallet or purse.
- If possible invest in a vehicle alarm system as an extra deterrent measure.
- Never leave your vehicle keys in plain view.
If you happen to be outside after dark and see people in your neighbourhood acting suspiciously, please report it to police. Your neighbourhood may be a target for thefts from vehicles.
