Carleton Place residents urged to lock up and report amid rising vehicle thefts

For anyone who is a part of the various Carleton Place social media groups, you may have noticed an increase in posts lately discussing a concerning string of car thefts in the area.

In response to the ongoing complaints, Mayor Toby Randell made a statement to his constituents on Dec. 16.

“I have spoken and speak regularly with the OPP about concerns and issues happening in town,” Randell said. “Our street had a visit on Saturday evening with a number of neighbours’ cars being hit…These are crimes of opportunity by folks who are desperate for one reason or another.”

Randell relayed that the OPP are advising everyone to lock their vehicles every night and move valuables like bicycles to rear yards and ensure they are properly locked up.

“Mostly what they want folks to do is to report every incident. They are aware of individuals who may be involved and every call or email with video, or descriptions allowing them to do their job, will help.

“This is not condoning the individual or individuals who are undertaking these acts but the police need to follow rules and procedures. I hope, like everyone else does, that these people are caught sooner rather than later and that they eventually get the help they need instead of doing these crimes of opportunity.

Carleton Place resident Neil Norris also posted online to share a community safety update after a “productive call” with the Carleton Place OPP Commander Robert Croth. Norris explained, “There are only a few reports on record of thefts from vehicles with the OPP. That needs to change! The OPP makes use of analytics to determine hot spots that need to be patrolled more frequently. Analytics are useless without supporting data. The message here is simple. If you are a victim, report it to the OPP promptly.”

Norris continued, “Despite the frustrations of residents, I’m sure we can all appreciate that OPP resources are somewhat limited, and residents should consider the fact that in many ways, we are the eyes and ears of the OPP. We have a shared responsibility to look out for each other and to keep this community safe.”

Mayor Randell reiterated this same sentiment in his statement, urging the public to report any car theft incidents as soon as possible. “The last thing I want to see is a law abiding citizen getting into trouble by taking things into their own hands. So post online if you will but also call the police.”