Windsor Police Issue Critical Warning Following 480 Vehicle Thefts in 2025
In the wake of investigating nearly 480 vehicle thefts last year, Windsor police are delivering a straightforward yet crucial message to residents: do not start your car and walk away from it. This warning comes as the city experiences severe winter conditions, with many thefts occurring precisely when vehicles are left running to warm up.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Common Theft Patterns
Police Chief Jason Crowley presented detailed data during a Windsor Police Service Board meeting held at Windsor council chambers. The numbers paint a concerning picture of vehicle security lapses in the community.
- 478 vehicle thefts were investigated by Windsor police in 2025
- 70% recovery rate for stolen vehicles, with about 66% recovered within three days
- 69% of stolen vehicles were unlocked, up from 58% in 2024
- Almost 14% of stolen vehicles had keys inside, compared to 13% in 2024
- About 12% of stolen vehicles were running with keys inside, up from just over 10% in 2024
- 30 additional vehicles were stolen through carjackings, break-and-enters, or home invasions
Police Leadership Emphasizes Public Safety Concerns
Chief Crowley addressed the board with a clear public service announcement, stating: "We all know people like to start their cars and let them run and warm up unattended. The public service announcement that I'd like to really pass on today is don't leave your car unattended while it warms up, please. There's a civil liability, there's a criminal liability, and certainly a public safety problem we have there. So please don't do that."
Acting Deputy Chief Ken Cribley reinforced this message, noting that auto theft rates in Windsor remain "fairly consistent" year over year. He emphasized the financial investment in vehicles and the importance of basic security measures: "Just a public service reminder for people. You've invested in a vehicle. Vehicles don't come cheap. Keep them locked. I know it's cold this time of year, but just not a good idea to start your car and walk away from it with the keys and ignition."
Winter Conditions Exacerbate Security Risks
The timing of this warning is particularly relevant as Windsor faces a winter deep freeze. Many residents understandably want to warm up their vehicles before driving, but police stress that this common practice creates significant vulnerability.
Crowley highlighted the ongoing nature of the problem, noting that despite previous warnings, "We still see people going out, starting the car, leaving keys in the ignition and walking away from it, and that's a huge issue."
Broader Implications for Community Safety
Beyond the immediate financial loss to vehicle owners, police point to wider consequences of these thefts. The reference to "civil liability" and "criminal liability" suggests that stolen vehicles can be involved in further crimes or accidents, creating additional legal and safety concerns for the community.
The police service's detailed tracking of theft patterns—including whether vehicles were unlocked, had keys inside, or were running—demonstrates their analytical approach to crime prevention. By identifying these specific vulnerabilities, they can target their public education efforts more effectively.
As Windsor continues to grapple with vehicle thefts, police leadership hopes this renewed warning will encourage residents to adopt safer practices, even during the coldest winter months.
