Halton-area police investigating vehicle thefts at dealers

Halton Regional Police # 2 District Criminal Investigation Bureau is requesting assistance from the dealer community as they investigate thefts appearing to target Mercedes Benz vehicles.

On September 8, 2020, a male visited Kia Georgetown at 15 Mountainview Rd N, Georgetown. The suspect stated he wanted to purchase a vehicle and requested to test drive a 2016 white Mercedes Benz C300. After the suspect failed to return the vehicle it was reported stolen.

Further investigation into the male’s driver’s licence determined it was fraudulent. The same day, the suspect visited the Oakville Chrysler dealership at 175 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville and committed a theft of a 2017 white Mercedes Benz C43 using the same licence. No suspect vehicles were observed during both incidents.

Similarly, on September 15, 2020, a male booked a Mercedes Benz test drive at the Car Lounge at 324 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville. A salesperson accompanied the suspect during the drive when they were lightly hit from behind at a stop light by a white Mercedes Benz. When the salesperson got out to check for any damage, both vehicles fled.

The suspect was described as male, brown skin, approximately 5’10”, 160 lbs with a thin build and short black hair. He has been seen wearing a white face mask.

“Typically, the suspect will visit a dealership and state that they would like to purchase a vehicle and request a test drive. Due to COVID-19 policies, on three occasions the suspect has been allowed to test drive the vehicle alone, and leaves the dealership without returning” Constable Ryan Anderson said in a news release.

Contact the Police

Any dealers or salespeople with information are urged to contact Detective Omar Nadim at the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825 4777 ext. 2278 or 905 330 2415.

Protect Yourself

Dealers are encouraged to take the following precautionary measures to reduce the chances of a vehicle taken for a test drive not being returned:

• If an individual provides you with a contact phone number, call it before they leave the lot to verify that it is valid; and
• If an individual requests a test drive, obtain a copy of their driver’s licence.

Be aware of someone who arrives on foot or is dropped off for a test drive, with no other means of leaving. You can always contact OMVIC if you have questions about how to protect yourself.