Police investigating attempted thefts of Lexus and Toyota brand vehicles in Niagara region

Niagara police are warning owners of Lexus and Toyota brand vehicles to be alert as a number of targeted thefts and attempted thefts have been reported in the Niagara region.

Niagara police are warning owners of Lexus and Toyota brand vehicles to be alert, as a number of targeted thefts and attempted thefts have been reported in the region.

Police say on Sept. 26, officers responded to four calls in Fonthill and Pelham after Lexus and Toyota brand vehicles were stolen or had been attempted to be stolen. The thefts happened during the early morning hours in residential driveways.

According to police, the suspects gained access to the vehicles by breaking the rear door glass to avoid setting off the vehicle’s alarm.

In many instances, police say new model Lexus SUVs and Toyota Tundras, Highlanders, and Land Cruisers were targeted.

They say these brands are connected to “criminal networks looking to profit from the theft and exportation of these vehicles.”

Seven more calls for thefts have been reported over the last couple weeks, police added.

Detectives are advising members of the public who own these cars to consider “aftermarket security measures and tracking devices to aid in theft deterrent.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1023300, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.