Police say auto parts stolen from vehicles can cause ‘serious safety risk’

Police are warning owners to check their vehicles after several pick-up trucks had auto parts stolen in Mississauga.

Police say there have been 12 thefts of the rear differential plates from Dodge and GMC pick-up trucks in the area of Mississauga Road and Highway 401.

When the rear differential plate is removed from underneath the vehicle, it causes fluid to drain from the compartment that lubricates the gears and powers the axels of the truck.

Without the lubrication, the gears can overheat and seize up posing a serious safety risk.

The suspect targets trucks parked in large parking lots such as transit lots, car pool lots, and hotel parking lots.

Police are telling owners of similar types of vehicles to check for any obvious fluid leakage underneath their truck.