Terrifying Home Invasion in Oakville Ends in Vehicle Theft

Halton Regional Police are investigating a frightening home invasion and vehicle theft that occurred in an Oakville neighbourhood in the early hours of the morning.

Hammer-Wielding Suspects Force Entry

According to investigators, police responded to a residence located near Dundas Street and Neyagawa Boulevard, just west of Sixth Line, shortly after 3:00 a.m. on April 26.

Police report that three male suspects approached the home and used a hammer to smash the glass on the front door. This allowed them to reach inside, unlock the deadbolt, and gain entry to the house.

The sound of shattering glass awoke the residents. Upon investigating the noise, they were confronted inside their own home by one of the suspects who was brandishing the hammer. The intruder aggressively demanded the keys to a Mercedes SUV that was parked in the driveway.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered in Toronto

Fearing for their safety, the residents complied and handed over the vehicle keys. The three suspects then fled the scene in the stolen Mercedes SUV, accompanied by a red SUV which they had originally used to arrive at the location.

Thankfully, no physical injuries were reported by the victims during this terrifying confrontation.

A short time later, police successfully located the stolen Mercedes SUV abandoned in Toronto. The suspects, however, remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing.

Investigators are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone who lives in the area of Dundas Street and Neyagawa Boulevard and has home surveillance or dashcam video recorded between 2:45 a.m. and 3:10 a.m. on April 26 is urged to review their footage.

Information can be reported to the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2216, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Defending Against Key-Targeted Break-Ins

Thieves are increasingly breaking into homes specifically to steal the keys for high-end vehicles parked outside. Protect your family and your property with these strategies:

• Hide Your Keys: Never leave your car keys hanging by the front door or sitting on a hallway table. Store them out of sight in a secure location, preferably upstairs or far from exterior doors.
• Use a Faraday Pouch: Even if thieves don't break in, they can use relay devices to clone the signal from your key fob through the walls. Store your keys in a signal-blocking Faraday pouch to prevent this.
• Secure Glass Doors: Prevent thieves from smashing glass to reach the lock by installing a double-cylinder deadbolt (which requires a key on both sides) or applying a shatter-resistant security film to the glass panes on and around your front door.
• Don't Resist: If intruders do break in demanding your vehicle keys, give them up immediately. A vehicle can be replaced; your life cannot.