RCMP are warning Ford F250 and F350 drivers that thefts of these trucks are up 96 per cent over the past six months.
Between April and September 2022, 52 F250 or F350 trucks were stolen, compared to 102 between October 2022 and March 16, 2023.
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November 2022 saw the highest number of thefts, with 29 being stolen across the Island, followed by January 2023 with 25 thefts.
We are seeing a recent increase with thefts of earlier model Ford Super Duty trucks
says Cpl. Trevor March with the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP. Police are recommending owners of these pickups take appropriate precautions and security measures to dissuade thieves.
Security measures the RCMP recommends include:
- Don't leave any personal identification or property in your vehicle. This will make it less tempting for thieves to break into.
- Invest in a good anti-theft device. Use a steering wheel lock every time you park your vehicle.
- Do not set the home function on your GPS so if the vehicle is stolen the thieves cannot find your home address.
- If you have a garage use it at all times when parking at home.
- Wait for an automatic gate to close behind you when entering or leaving a controlled parking area.
- Don't keep spare keys inside the vehicle.
- Call the police immediately if you see suspicious people or activities near a vehicle.
- Park in open and visible areas, not behind fences and hedges.
- Light your driveway at night or park in well-lit areas.
- Record the serial numbers of all your items of value to make it easier to return to the rightful owner if stolen.
- When refuelling your vehicle, keep your keys on you at all times and lock your vehicle when you go in to pay.
This warning comes after North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP arrested two people who were in possession of two stolen F350s.
On March 4, RCMP were called to the 1700 block of Maple Bay Road and found a group of people trespassing on private property in two Ford F350 trucks. One of the trucks attempted to flee, but officers were able to arrest a 24-year-old male driver and 32-year-old female passenger.
Brandon Gregoire, 24, of Nanaimo was charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and is currently remanded in custody pending his next appearance in court on March 22.
A 49-year-old man and 32-year-old woman were also arrested at the scene and released on undertakings. They are scheduled for court in May.
Laura Brougham
