In total this year, patrol officers responded to 253 calls concerning thefts from vehicles in the Sherbrooke area.
“A few years ago, people stole sunglasses, loose change and telephone wires. Now, if you leave your credit card in the cabin of the vehicle and leave for an hour, the person will make purchases with the quick payment method. Without having the PIN, they can make small purchases,” assures the spokesperson for the Sherbrooke Police Service (SPS), Benoit Pellerin.
“Systematically, when there is a theft of a credit card from a vehicle, there are transactions.”
— Benoit Pellerin, spokesperson for the SPS
The police officer indicates that merchants can also keep an eye out and report suspicious behavior by customers. “If the person arrives with three, four or five credit cards, and the first ones don’t work and it’s complicated, they can report it to us. Clerks should not expose themselves or put themselves in danger, but can take a good description of the suspects,” he advises.
“The traders do not bother us if they call us,” reiterates the spokesperson.
Mr. Pellerin indicates that it is rare for large objects to be stolen. These are small objects like laptops or electronic tablets that are often prey to thieves.
And it is also uncommon for thieves to break down a window or door to gain access to their loot. “It’s a crime of opportunity,” assures Mr. Pellerin. Last week, three young people were driving in the Old North of Sherbrooke, a neighborhood which is not problematic. They came from another part of the city. They got out of their car and searched every door on a street. “We found stolen items on them, tracks in the snow and surveillance camera images, which allowed them to be arrested.”
Moreover, people who do not lock their car can receive a fine of $111. In 2024, 108 motorists received such a fine, compared to 198 in 2023 and 393 in 2022. Some citizens criticize the police who probe car doors, but according to Benoit Pellerin, “it’s a scourge”.
“I understand, the consequence is unfortunate. But we want to prevent a series of thefts and a series of transactions [frauduleuses].»
— Benoit Pellerin, spokesperson for the SPS
Thieves can also have consequences in a court of law. According to the Criminal Code, the perpetrator of credit card theft is “liable to a maximum imprisonment of ten years”.
