Total calls for service – Belleville Police responded to 77 calls for service over a 24-hour period beginning at 5:00 am on October 16, 2023 to 5:00 am on October 17, 2023.

Attempted theft of Vehicle

On the 16^th of October 2023, Belleville Police received a call regarding an attempted theft of a high-end BMW during the overnight hours at a residence in the city’s east end.  Belleville Police are reminding residents to ensure their vehicles are locked and any key fobs are kept away from doors and windows.  Extra steps should be taken to ensure the signals from key fobs cannot be intercepted by thieves.  The key fob signal is being captured by a wireless device which is then used to unlock and start the car.

This method of vehicle theft has become prominent in the GTA and has been highlighted in numerous news articles. 

The Canadian Automobile Association in cooperation with police agencies has highlighted a few ways to help ensure your vehicle is not stolen.

• Park your car in a garage
• Consider using a physical deterrent like a steering wheel bar or “club”
• Consider purchasing a secondary vehicle security system that includes vehicle tracking
• Don’t leave your keys out in the open — such as on a kitchen table or counter. Consider buying a container or bag that is designed to block radio signals (a “Faraday” bag).

Click here for a video released by the Toronto Police which shows two suspects obtaining the signal from a key fob inside a residence which then allows them to steal the vehicle while parked right in the driveway. 

Grandparent Scam

On the 16^th of October 2023, a male claiming he was a lawyer contacted an elderly Belleville resident by phone advising that his son was in an accident, the police had impounded the vehicle and it would require $7,000 to release the vehicle. 

The elderly male attended his bank and withdrew the money.  A short time later, a suspect attended the victim’s residence and retrieved the money.  Unfortunately, the victim did not realize this was a scam until it was too late.

Police are reminding citizens that officers will never come to your residence in full or partial uniform to collect cash or to contact family members to request money for things like bail or a vehicle release.

Do not attend your bank to withdraw money to give to an unknown person following a frantic or pressure tactic call.  Instead, call another family member for clarification or contact police. 

Click here for a CTV News article highlighting Grandparent Scams and how to protect yourself.