Hamilton Police recently investigated three incidents where vehicle owners left their keys with their vehicles and returned to find them stolen. Hamilton Police are reminding vehicle owners the number one theft deterrent for an automobile is to remove the keys and lock the vehicle when left unattended.

On Sunday, February 17, 2019, shortly before 8:00 a.m. police investigated an abandoned vehicle. A Chevrolet Sonic was located in the area of Concession 11 East and Lawson Park, Flamborough. The driver’s side window was ajar and the key was left in the ignition. The registered owner was contacted and they advised their vehicle was parked on their driveway. Police explained the reason for the call and the owner was surprised to hear the vehicle had been stolen. Through conversation, police learned the owner had parked the vehicle at her residence in Fergus shortly before midnight and had accidentally left the keys in the vehicle.

While waiting for the owner to attend the scene police were informed of two thefts, an automobile and a truck and trailer from two residences in the area.

On Sunday, February 17, 2019, at 11:30 p.m., the complainant parked his maroon coloured Hyundai Tucson on his driveway in the area of Concession 11 East and Lawson Park. He hid the keys in the vehicle and did not lock it.

He returned to find his vehicle had been stolen. It remains outstanding at this time.

On Sunday, February 17, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., the owner of a GMC pick-up truck and trailer realized his vehicles had been stolen as well from the same area. The night before at 8:00 p.m. the complainant last saw the vehicles, parked and unlocked on his property with the keys inside.

The red 2016 GMC Sierra pick-up truck and Gooseneck dual axle horse trailer remain outstanding at this time.

Hamilton Police are reminding vehicle owners the number one theft deterrent for an automobile is to remove the keys and lock the vehicle when left unattended.