Police investigate vehicle theft in New Hamburg

Car door handle. (Source: Alex Urezkov/Pexels)

Waterloo Regional Police are investigating after a vehicle was stolen from a New Hamburg driveway early Monday morning.

Police said that, at approximately 3:30 a.m., an unidentified male was captured on camera stealing a vehicle on Theodore Schuler Boulevard.

A few minutes earlier, another vehicle in the area was also entered but nothing was stolen.

Investigators said a debit card taken from the stolen vehicle was later used at a local retailer, where they tried to purchase gift cards.

Police believe additional vehicles in the neighborhood may have been targeted and are asking neighbours to review any exterior surveillance footage recorded Monday morning. Relevant videos or photos can be uploaded to the WRPS’ online evidence portal.

Police are also reminding residents to take the following precautions to help prevent vehicle theft:

• Block access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprogramming key fobs.
• Use a steering wheel locking device.
• Store key fobs inside a radio‑frequency shielding pouch when not in use.
• Install an aftermarket GPS tracker to assist in vehicle recovery.
• Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle.
• Report suspicious persons or behaviour immediately.