‘Crime of opportunity’ sees vehicle stolen in North Bay, police look for suspect

North Bay police seek a man who stole an unlocked Hyundai Santa Cruz on Main Street on Oct. 2.

Police in North Bay are searching for a suspect after a vehicle was stolen while left running outside a bank earlier this month.

The incident occurred on Oct. 2 at about 8:32 p.m. outside a CIBC on Main Street West.

The North Bay Police Service said that the vehicle’s owner had briefly entered the bank, leaving their grey 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz running.

“Despite the key fob being in the owner’s possession while they were inside, the suspect gained access through an unlocked door,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

The owner witnessed the vehicle being driven away along Main Street toward Fisher Street as they left the bank.

Police later located and recovered the stolen SUV a short distance away near the intersection of Oak Street and Wyld Street.

Police seek public’s assistance

The suspect is described as a male wearing a dark or black hoodie, jeans, a green backpack and a ball cap worn backwards.

Inspector Scott McFarlane called the incident a “crime of opportunity.”

“The suspect acted quickly taking less than a minute from the time the vehicle owner exited the vehicle to when the suspect drove off,” said McFarlane.

“We urge the community to remain vigilant and ensure vehicles are secured at all times.”

Investigators are requesting the public’s help, asking anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage from the area of Main Street East, Fisher Street, Oak Street, or Wyld Street around the time of the incident to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Bay Police Service non-emergency line at 705-472-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

“Your assistance can make a meaningful difference in this investigation,” said Jennifer Cross, the corporate communications coordinator for North Bay police.