CPS WARNS OF INCREASE IN VEHICLE, TRAILER AND WATERCRAFT THEFTS

CORNWALL – The Cornwall Police Service (CPS), in partnership with Équité Association, is raising awareness about a growing trend in thefts involving not only motor vehicles, but also recreational property such as trailers, boats and personal watercraft.

While auto theft remains a concern across Eastern Ontario, the CPS has also seen incidents involving the theft of recreational trailers, ATVs, boats and Sea-Doos. These items are often targeted due to their high value, ease of transport and, in many cases, lack of security measures.

Through continued collaboration with Équité Association – a national not-for-profit supporting Canadian insurers in the fight against fraud – the CPS is working to identify trends, support investigations and promote prevention strategies to reduce these crimes and their connection to organized criminal activity.

“Property theft, including vehicles and recreational equipment, is not a crime of opportunity alone – it is often tied to larger networks,” said S/Sgt. Scott Bonneville. “By working with partners like Équité and engaging the public, we can better protect our community and reduce the risk of victimization.”

As part of ongoing prevention efforts, the CPS is reminding residents to follow the principles of the LOCK IT OR LOSE IT campaign and take a layered approach to security.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS:

• Always lock vehicles, trailers and storage compartments when not in use
• Park in well-lit areas or inside a secured garage whenever possible
• Use hitch locks, wheel clamps or trailer locks for recreational equipment
• Store boats and Sea-Doos in secured areas and remove keys when unattended
• Install GPS tracking devices on high-value property
• Position trailers or equipment in a way that makes removal difficult (e.g., blocked in)
• Install motion lighting and surveillance cameras at home or storage locations
• Avoid leaving ownership documents or valuables inside vehicles or trailers
• Remain vigilant – thieves may return to target replacement property
• Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage also continues to play a critical role in these investigations. As part of ongoing prevention efforts, the CPS encourages residents and business owners to support community safety by participating in the CamSafe program.

CamSafe is a voluntary CCTV and security video registry that allows community members to register their surveillance cameras, helping officers quickly identify potential video sources when investigating incidents in the area.

CAMSAFE: https://cornwallpolice.com/en/record-services/services.html/security-camera-registry

Community awareness and vigilance remain key in preventing theft and protecting property.

For non-emergencies, please contact the CPS at 613-932-2110. To report a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

CPS MISSION: A trusted police service partnering with our community for a positive impact on safety and wellbeing in Cornwall.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Rodney Wilson (#545)
Cornwall Police Service
Wilson.r@cornwallpolice.com