Officers managed to stop a vehicle theft in its tracks on March 23.
South Simcoe police apprehended two people operating a stolen vehicle in Bradford Saturday, after an alert registered on a patrol car’s automated licence plate reader.
The vehicle was first observed entering Bradford on Bridge Street. It was eventually stopped near the Holland Street West and West Park Avenue intersection, resulting in the arrest of a 28-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, both of Richmond Hill. The duo was transported to the South Division station, where they were each charged with possession of property obtained by crime.
“The South Simcoe Police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community through proactive policing efforts,” the department said in a media release. “Vehicle theft is recognized as a major trend within Ontario. By working together, we can reduce thefts within our communities.”
Help prevent auto thefts by locking your vehicle, securing keys, parking in well-lit areas and deploying anti-theft devices, police say.
During a recent interview regarding auto thefts in Bradford and Innisfil, South Simcoe Det.-Sgt. Clint McLellan noted the department has employed two crime analysts to look for trends. As well, they launched a joint auto theft task force in collaboration with Barrie police, dedicating two constables to the initiative.
But McLellan is also urging residents to be vigilant and report potential criminal activity in their neighbourhoods.
“The success we’ve had has been from members of the public reaching out immediately when they see something that’s suspicious,” he said, noting one recent case, where several vehicles had been taken from a neighbourhood, was solved after someone caught the alleged suspect in the act. “They saw somebody suspiciously looking into a vehicle and actively stealing (it).”
