Brantford Police warn residents to be vigilant and keep vehicles locked as theft numbers rise by 31 per cent

Since early November, The Brantford Police have been dealing with an increase in vehicle theft according to the BPS website. 

On Nov.14, 2024, Brantford Police posted a media release saying two Brantford men were arrested in an auto theft investigation. This was followed by a media release on Dec. 13, reminding residents to get into the habit of locking their vehicles. The media release says that at the time of the release, 352 vehicles had been stolen in 2024.  

Brantford Police Service Coporate Communications Manager, Robin Matthews-Osmond, says that in the province, vehicle theft increased by 31 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022. Matthews Osmond say the most reported stolen vehicles include 2021 Toyota Highlanders, 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Series, and 2022 Lexus RX Series. Brantford Police did not provide why these vehicles were most popular for theft. 

While Brantford Police shared stats and information on the matter, no interviews were conducted with the team. BPS stands behind the stats shared in their press releases and data shared.  

Only one day after the Dec.11 release, the BPS posted another release promoting the “lock it or lose it” campaign. The release explains that thieves typically steal vehicles to sell them for parts and to commit other crimes. BPS shares that to prevent loss, residents should park their car in a garage, if possible, not leave vehicles unattended while running, lock vehicles and consider investing in cameras.  

Despite the efforts of Brantford Police warning the city, car theft has not seemed to slow down. A local Facebook group has multiple posts since the press release about stolen vehicles, Sara Pratt shared on Dec. 25 her car was stolen three days prior, followed by Brandi Gorlich, who reported her vehicle stolen Jan. 5. Gorlich said her boyfriend had caught the individuals stealing her Chevy Tahoe from her driveway.  

So just after the vehicle was stolen around 7 a.m., Gorlich phoned Brantford police, she was met with a response that the police were busy and would take about 20 minutes to get to her house. “So, about half an hour later an officer shows up, takes my statement. I also let them know there is another vehicle out back that I don’t recognize,” said Gorlich. 

The officers proceeded to inform Gorlich that the vehicle left on their property was another stolen vehicle the individuals had left behind when stealing her Tahoe. Her truck was found the following Monday by Hamilton police after the individuals had hit two parked cars. 

The vehicle was found missing multiple tools, baby seats, and a stroller and was replaced with blood and tin foil–which was presumed to be from drug use by the police.  

Gorlich said the Brantford Police were helpful and seemed to do everything they could, but Hamilton Police had better outreach to her with information.  

“Initially [BPS] did okay, but I feel like they dismissed it pretty quickly. The Hamilton police did a better job at reaching out and giving me any information that I asked for… the Hamilton police called me right away after finding my truck. I got a call Thursday of that week from Brantford police- making sure I knew that my vehicle was found,” said Gorlich. 

This story was originally published in Volume 24, Issue 6 on February 6, 2025