If you have an older pickup truck in Sarnia, you may want to take steps to protect the vehicle from being stolen.
That's the advice from Sarnia police following the theft of four pickup trucks late last week.
Cst. John Sottosanti said they have yet to determine why the vehicles are being taken or where they're going.
"There seems to be an affinity toward Chevy and GMC products and earlier models of the vehicles," said Sottosanti. "So, obviously, the individual has either figured out a way to enter and start these vehicles or there is a need for these vehicles somewhere."
Sottosanti said there are things you can do to prevent theft.
"Obviously, we always recommend that the vehicles are locked. Do not leave any keys in the vehicle, I do not believe that that's been the issue in these circumstances. You may wish to consider different devices, such as alarms on the vehicle or a bar across the steering wheel to lock the vehicle."
Sottosanti said it's believed the first vehicle, a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado with Ontario license plate number BP54557, was taken from the Exmouth Street and Lambton Mall Road area between 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Thursday. It is described as black, with a tan stripe, a lift kit that squats the rear of the truck lower than the front, and black rims.
The second, a 2003 GMC with Ontario licence plate number BE87825, was stolen between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Friday from the 700 block of London Road. It was dark grey, had a small silver pinstripe down the side, and a front bug deflector.
The third, a 2006 GMC Sierra, 2500 diesel, with Ontario licence plate number AY37086, was taken at around 2 p.m. Friday from the area of Indian Road and Devine Street. It was black, had a black tonneau cover, and was missing some centre caps from the rims.
The fourth, a 2004, GMC Sierra, 1500, with Ontario licence plate number AM73983, was stolen from the Eastlawn Avenue area between 8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday. It was gold in colour, had a driver side running board pipe with duct tape on it, and a pair of boxing gloves hanging from the rearview mirror.
Anyone with information on any of the trucks, or who can assist in the investigation with surveillance video from the areas, is asked to call Detective Jeff Rovers of the Criminal Investigation Branch at 519-344-8861, extension 6159.
Anonymous tips can also be made by contacting Sarnia-Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at P3TIPS.com.
