Thefts Are On The Rise In Stratford

Thursday, 23 April 2020 10:14

Stratford Police are reminding residents to lock it or lose it as reports of theft have seen an increase since this time last year.

STRATFORD - Property related crime has seen a spike since the Provincial Emergency Order came into effect.

Stratford Police say between March 17- April 21st, they received 31 reports of thefts from motor vehicles. That number is almost double the reports received this time one year ago.

Break and Enters have also seen a slight increase as well to 16 reports, eight residential and eight commercial, compared to 14 reports in 2019, including 10 commercial and 4 residential.

Surrounding communities of St Marys and Perth South have been relatively quiet, while the increases remain in Stratford. St Marys has brought their numbers down since last year. They have not had any reports of theft from a motor vehicle and only two reports of Break and Enter.

There are no reports of theft from a motor vehicle in Perth South for both 2019 and 2020. They are experiencing a slightly increase in Break and Enters however, up from four in 2019 to seven in 2020.

There has been a wide array of items property stolen during these incidents including the typical items you would find within a vehicle; from loose change to personal identification to laptop computers and other electronics.

Mostly outdoor structures like sheds and garages have been the target for residential Break and Enters These incidents have included the theft of chainsaws and other outdoor yard equipment.

Stratford Police are reminding everyone of the importance of locking your vehicle and securing your property. The vast majority of these incidents have been to unlocked vehicles, sheds, garages, and homes. These incidents are known mostly as crimes of opportunity, where criminals find the easiest target and go after that.

Police say you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim by simply making sure your property is locked up.
If you see anything suspicious, call Stratford Police at 519-271-4141.