BPS Arrest Two Brantford Men in Auto Theft Investigation
24-48521
Officers with the Brantford Police Service have arrested two men and recovered two stolen vehicles in an auto theft investigation.
On November 11, 2024, members of the Brantford Police Auto Theft Unit and Criminal Intelligence Unit launched an investigation in regard to the recent increase in motor vehicle thefts.
On November 12, 2024, police located a stolen Chevrolet Silverado on Sheridan Street. Two males were observed entering the stolen vehicle which travelled to the parking lot of the Lynden Park Mall, where one of the men was observed attempting to steal a Chevrolet Avalanche. This attempt was unsuccessful. The suspect then moved on to steal a Chevrolet Envoy. The suspect was observed driving the Envoy, fleeing the area, followed by the stolen Silverado. The stolen Silverado was left abandoned in a nearby parking lot.
Through investigation, two suspects were identified. On November 13, 2024, members of BPS Uniform Patrol and the BPS Emergency Response Unit attended a Sheridan Street residence where both suspects were arrested without incident. The two stolen vehicles were recovered by police.
As a result of this investigation, a 36-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following offences:
- Possession of stolen goods over $5,000 x 2
- Occupant of motor vehicle or vessel without consent x 2
- Attempt motor vehicle theft
- Motor vehicle theft
- Operation while prohibited by order under the Criminal Code x 6
- Driving while under suspension x 8
And a 24-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following offences:
- Possession of stolen goods over $5,000 x 2
- Occupant of motor vehicle or vessel without consent x 2
- Attempt motor vehicle theft
- Motor vehicle theft
- Driving while under suspension
Image: image of damaged steering column
Above: Photo of damaged steering column, attempted theft of Chevrolet Avalanche
With automobile thefts on the rise in communities across the country, stopping the most determined thieves will not always be possible.
Following these tips can help make your vehicle a less attractive target and harder to take, as well as increase the chances you get it back after a theft.
To protect yourself against vehicle theft,
- Always lock your vehicle's doors and windows when you park.
- Never leave your keys or remote in your vehicle, even for a short time.
- Park in well-lit, busy areas.
- Park inside your garage when at home.
- Don't leave valuables or personal identification in your vehicle.
- Consider installing an anti-theft system, such as an ignition or fuel kill switch, steering wheel lock, or electric alarm.
- Consider using a port blocker, which is a plug that you insert into your vehicle's port to prevent criminals from reprogramming your key fob.
- Consider using a tracking system like Tag Tracking, Kycs Locate, or Domino Tracking.
If your vehicle is stolen, you should:
- Contact the police immediately to file a stolen-vehicle report
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community