The theft of four pick up trucks in the last two weeks in Wallaceburg has residents concerned another group of professional thieves has targeted the area.
A total of 16 trucks were stolen during the period of a few weeks last fall with many found damaged or stripped in the London area.
In November, Chatham-Kent Police were led on an early morning high-speed chase that began in Wallaceburg, led through Dresden and Wabash before police deployed a spike strip to stop the vehicle and apprehended two London area men after a foot chase.
Deputy Chief Jeff Littlewood said police are asking residents to provide them or Crimestoppers with any information regarding suspicious activity.
In the meantime, he said vigilance is the key.
“Thieves are opportunists and you can’t make it attractive for them to steal your vehicle,” he said.
“Whenever possible, park in a well lit area, keep any valuables such as laptops out of the vehicle. Make sure you lock your vehicle and take that little extra time to keep it safe.”
The most recent thefts took place sometime in the early hours of August 25, when thieves stole a 2003 Chevrolet Duramax pickup truck, pewter in colour, from the Bluewater Line area in Wallaceburg.
The pickup truck was last seen with Ontario license plates 7588FR.
In a separate incident at approximately 8:30 a.m., that day, a 2004 GMC Sierra pickup truck, gold coloured with matching truck topper was stolen from Maple Street.
The pickup truck was last seen with Ontario license plates 6352YZ.
Overnight August 18, thieves stole a black 2002 GMC Sierra 4X4 truck parked on Linden Street near Gordon Street.
The truck was last seen with Ontario license plates AK18 162.
That same morning shortly after 7:00 a.m. the truck was recovered on Stewart Line with the stereo removed.
Around this same time, police learned that a red 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 4X4 truck had been stolen from a residence on Stewart Line. The truck was last seen with Ontario license plates 135 0FR.
Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
