Police Warning Public About String of Dangerous Vehicle Part Thefts in Mississauga

Although you probably always remember to hide valuables in the trunk of your car while you’re away from your vehicle, you might not realize that parts of your actual car could be stolen, rendering it unsafe to drive.

Peel police are currently advising residents to be aware of a number of recent thefts from vehicles that have subsequently rendered them unsafe.

According to police, there have been 12 thefts of the rear differential plates from Dodge and GMC pick-up trucks between November and December of this year. These incidents have occurred in the Mississauga Road and 401 area in the city.

The suspect has targeted vehicles parked in large parking lots, such as transit lots, carpool lots and hotel parking lots.

Police warn that the removal of the differential plate from underneath the vehicle results in the draining of fluid from the compartment that lubricates the gears and powers the axles of the truck. When not lubricated, the gears can overheat and seize without warning, posing a serious safety hazard.

If you own one of these vehicles, police are recommending you check for any obvious fluid leakage underneath the vehicle while parked in large lots. Police are asking residents to contact them if they observe anyone working underneath similar vehicles in parking lots.

A photograph of a vehicle with proper cover in place and with the plate removed can be seen below:

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact investigators at 11 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905)-453-2121, ext. 1133. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word “PEEL” and then your tip.