Dozens of trailer and snowmobile thefts have prompted Niagara Regional Police to issue a warning to residents. The thefts have been occurring since February 13, 2025, primarily between midnight and 6 a.m., with most incidents happening between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
The thieves are targeting areas in Grimsby, West Lincoln, and Lincoln. They're checking for accessible trailer hitches in driveways, hooking them up, and driving away with the stolen property. In addition to trailers and snowmobiles, the suspects are trying car door handles and stealing valuables from unlatched vehicles.
Thieves in Grimsby, West Lincoln, and Lincoln steal trailers by checking hitches in driveways while also raiding unlocked vehicles for valuables.
Police report that the crime wave extends beyond these three municipalities. Pelham, Wainfleet, and Niagara-on-the-Lake have also been affected by the recent string of thefts and property crimes. Rural areas across the Niagara Region appear to be particularly vulnerable.
"We're seeing thieves simply walking up to trailers, checking if they're secured, and taking them if they're not," said a police spokesperson. The thefts are part of a broader series of crimes that includes vehicle thefts, frauds, and property damage incidents.
In a related case, police reported that a fatal collision on March 19, 2025, involved a stolen vehicle. The incident occurred at the intersection of Welland Avenue and Ontario Street in St. Catharines, resulting in the death of a 31-year-old male driver. The suspect in that incident has been identified and charged.
Niagara Regional Police are encouraging residents to take preventive measures. They recommend using hitch locks on trailers, parking vehicles and trailers in well-lit areas, and installing security cameras when possible.
They stress the importance of securing all vehicles, even when parked in driveways. Residents who experience theft or notice suspicious activity are urged to file police reports immediately. These reports help investigators gather information and identify suspects. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
Police believe that community vigilance will be key to stopping the thieves. The investigations are ongoing as officers work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the crime spree affecting multiple communities across the Niagara Region.
