The Halton Regional Police Service is looking for a male suspect after a reported vehicle theft in Oakville.
The suspect met with the victim on Monday, March 1st to discuss the potential sale of a Mercedes vehicle. The suspect then got into the vehicle and drove off without paying.
He is described by the HRPS as having brown skin. He is in his late 20s to early 30s and approximately 5’9” tall and 160 lbs. The man has a thin build, brown hair and brown eyes.
The suspect was dropped off by a newer model black coloured Volkswagen Tiguan.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Omar Nadim of the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2278.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
What You Can Do
There are precautionary measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of having a vehicle stolen after it has been advertised for sale:
- If an individual provides you with a contact phone number, call it before you meet with them;
- Vet callers and ask potential buyers to send you a copy of two pieces of government issued ID’s before you meet with them;
- Do not allow anyone to test drive your vehicle;
- Do not hand over the keys to the vehicle to any prospective buyer;
- Be aware of someone who arrives on foot or is dropped off to view the vehicle, with no other means of leaving;
- Have a second person accompany you when meeting with potential buyers;
- Meet with individuals in public areas and during business hours in an area that may have CCTV in the lot;
- Be vigilant, cautious and aware of your surroundings;
- Consider installing a temporary aftermarket GPS tracker on the vehicle.
