Here’s how auto thefts are happening in Windsor and what you can do

Video of auto thefts Newly released video of two auto thefts in Windsor and what police say you need to know. Melanie Kentner explains in the Crime Stoppers Repo

Windsor police and Crime Stoppers have released two new videos of car thefts with hopes of catching the suspects and raising awareness on the problem.

The Windsor Police Service has recently expanded the auto theft unit from one to three officers, with help from a provincial grant. Const. Jamie Fummerton is part of the unit.

“It allows us to be more effective and efficient in conducting our investigations as well as being more proficient on the road and proactive in in assisting the community with stolen vehicles,” says Fummerton.

He says there are a variety of ways the auto thefts are taking place.

“The one video depicts the crime of opportunity in which a gentleman leaves his vehicle unattended and the offender gets in the vehicle and steals it,”says Fummerton.

He says it happens at locations all over the city, on both public and private property.

“Another video depicts two persons that are actually using the vehicle CAN bus, which is accessible through the headlights through the wheel well and they use an electronic device which allows them to unlock start and drive away with the vehicle,” says Fummerton.

After an increase in Windsor last year, the number of incidents appear to be slowing so far in 2024.

For January, 2024, there were 65 stolen vehicles compared to 67 from 2023. For February, they had 46 compared to 61 last year, and currently for March, there have been 16 thefts, compared to 69 last year.

He has some tips for the public to prevent auto thefts.

This is what police say you should do if you are a victim of car theft: