Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

On January 28, the Gatineau Police Department (SVPG) reported the theft of two vehicles in the Plateau sector.

“The first theft was reported the day before around 6 pm,” explained Patrick Kenney of the SVPG. “Our police officers went to Boulevard des Grives in the Plateau sector for a call related to the theft of a vehicle.” The car in question is a white Mitsubishi RVR. According to the information gathered, this same vehicle was involved in a collision followed by a hit-and-run on January 28, shortly before 8 pm on Laval Street in Gatineau.

The vehicle was then located in Hawkesbury, Ontario the following day, on January 29. “The owner then recovered his vehicle,” said Kenney.

The second theft was of a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. “When police arrived at the scene, they located the vehicle stuck in the snow, after skidding on rue de Londres in the Plateau sector of Gatineau,” stated Kenney. The car was reportedly taken away for appraisal.

As of January 30, investigations were still ongoing.

According to statistics shared by the City of Gatineau, there have been more than 1,111 vehicles stolen in Gatineau since January 1, 2022.

The SPVG is asking the public to follow some prevention tips. For example, it is recommended that your car be parked in a well-lit area under video surveillance. It’s also advisable to install one or more tools to prevent theft. Several of them are available on the market. This could be an anti-theft device on the vehicle’s steering wheel, an anti-theft system independent of the vehicle, a tracking system independent of the vehicle, and much more.

The SPVG also invites residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.

Photo: Car thief (May 30, 2024) (MG) Photo: Facebook page, Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau