The upsurge in vehicle theft worries the Sherbrooke Police Service (SPS), which has recorded no fewer than 64 cases since the start of the year.

• Read also: Serial embezzlement among Steelworkers

• Read also: Two motorists perish in a collision in Saint-Dominique

Among the stolen vehicles, 70% are pick-ups and 30% sport utility vehicles (SUVs), said the Sherbrooke police department, which reported 77 complaints filed by the victims.

The vehicles targeted by these recurring thefts are of Lexus, Acura, Ford brands including the F-150, Jeep (RAM), Honda (CRV), Toyota (Tacoma and Highlander) and Dodge, detailed the police service.

The robberies that typically occur at night have been reported in high-density residential neighborhoods including Rock Forest and Fleurimont, according to the SPS, adding that of all reported cases, 36 were likely linked to organized robbery rings.

The SPS recommends parking your vehicle in a well-lit place, locking the doors securely and having an immobilizer system, an alarm system and a steering wheel lock.

“It is also preferable not to put the chip keys near the front door of your residence or to use boxes designed for this purpose”, suggested by press release the police.