The Cornwall Police Service, working alongside the Équité Association, is warning residents about a recent rise in thefts involving vehicles, trailers, boats, ATVs, and personal watercraft across Cornwall, Ontario.
Authorities say these incidents are not always simple crimes of opportunity. Staff Sergeant Scott Bonneville noted that property theft in the city is often linked to larger organized criminal networks. While national statistics show an 18 percent decline in auto theft over the past year, the issue remains a significant financial burden, with insurance claims across Canada reaching approximately 900 million dollars in 2025.
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police encourages residents to follow the long-standing Lock It Or Lose It campaign to help prevent these crimes. This includes basic safety habits such as locking vehicles, parking in well-lit areas, and keeping valuables out of sight. The Équité Association also suggests a layered approach to security, which involves using anti-theft devices, vehicle immobilizers, and tracking technology alongside simple daily precautions.
To assist with ongoing investigations, the Cornwall Police Service is asking residents to register their security cameras through the voluntary CamSafe registry. This tool allows officers to quickly locate potential video evidence when crimes occur in the community.
