We have learned more information about a series of thefts and attempted thefts targeting Toyota vehicles in the city over the past few weeks.
The latest incident happened around 2:50 a.m. on Wednesday, when police were called to the Parkhill Road West and Chandler Crescent area after reports of a suspicious vehicle. A Toyota Highlander appeared to be the target. As officers arrived, they saw a person jump into the passenger side of a black BMW SUV, which then fled the area at high speed.
A spike belt had been deployed at the subdivision entrance, but the suspect vehicle drove over a curb, across a front lawn, and sped westbound on Parkhill Road. The vehicle had no licence plate.
The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately six feet tall, wearing a black top. The BMW SUV he fled in remains outstanding.
Police say this latest case follows three incidents reported between midnight and 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 29th. In those cases, two Toyota vehicles were stolen and another was the subject of an attempted theft. One of the stolen vehicles was taken from the University Heights Boulevard and Water Street area and later recovered in Toronto.
A second vehicle was stolen from the Parkhill and Chandler area, while another theft attempt was also reported in that subdivision. Investigators believe the stolen vehicle was taken to the Lily Lake Road area, where its GPS tracking system was disabled before both the vehicle and the suspect left the scene.
All vehicles involved in the recent incidents were Toyota-brand models — primarily larger SUVs and trucks — which police say continue to be the main targets.
The Peterborough Police Service is working with other police agencies as part of the ongoing investigation and is urging Toyota owners to take extra precautions, including:
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Parking in a garage or blocking the vehicle with another car if possible
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Ensuring factory-installed tracking systems are active
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Using theft-deterrent devices like steering wheel locks
Anyone who sees suspicious activity is asked to contact Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x225, or call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca.
