Posted on Monday June 24, 2024
After a re-emergence of opportunity thefts, York Regional Police is reminding citizens to be cautious when leaving valuables in unattended vehicles.
In recent incidents, suspects follow the victims from banking institutions, automated teller machines or currency exchange locations until an opportunity presents itself for suspects to break into the victim’s vehicle or to approach and distract the victim before stealing valuables.
On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at approximately 1:15 p.m. police responded to the area of Yonge Street and Jefferson Forest Drive in the City of Richmond Hill for the reports of a theft. The victim’s vehicle had been broken into and a quantity of cash had been stolen. Prior to parking his vehicle, the victim had attended a currency exchange location and had hidden cash in the vehicle, out of plain sight. It believed that the victim was followed from the currency exchange.
If you believe you are being followed after attending a money exchange location or financial institution, contact police for assistance.
York Regional Police would like to remind citizens to be cautious and protect themselves by following these tips:
- Be wary of strangers approaching you in public to engage in conversation
- Be aware of your surroundings and any vehicles or person that may be following you
- Consider not leaving currency or valuables in unattended vehicles
- Keep your valuables in a safe and secure place that would be difficult for someone to access
- If you witness any suspicious people or activity, or are a victim, contact police immediately
Criminals are opportunists. Do not give them the opportunity to make you a victim of crime.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7244, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.
Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
24-190616
June 24, 2024