A Hamilton woman is warning others about a precarious parking situation at the West Harbour GO Station after her car and several others were broken into.
In a Facebook post shared to a local neighbourhood watch group, Carla Jacobs says her car was one of five that had its windows smashed on Thursday evening.
“Luckily, I had nothing stolen, but someone else had some items taken,” she wrote. “The attack was completely random.”
READ MORE: Ontario to suspend driver’s licences for convicted car thieves for at least 10 years
The post drew ire from the community, with many participants sharing similar stories of their own.
One user recommended that other drivers in the downtown area leave their gloveboxes open to “show you have nothing in your car that is valuable.”
Jacobs said while she’s made a police report, she’ll have to pay for the damages herself.
“We all parked in P3 — please just be aware of the risk if you plan to park there sometime soon.”
According to its website, GO Transits parking lots “are equipped with a comprehensive CCTV security system.” They also boast that they’re patrolled by Transit Safety Officers and in instances of vandalism or theft, work closely with local authorities.
It remains unclear whether or not Jacobs car was covered by Metrolinx’s security systems.
Car-related criminal offences, such as thefts and break-ins, have been on a steady rise for several years.
READ MORE: 2 men charged in connection with 20 car break-ins across Niagara
Recently, in an effort to curb that growth, the Ontario government has proposed harsher penalties for those convicted of vehicular-related offences.
One such measure Ontario’s transportation minister has pitched in recent days is a lifetime driving suspension for those facing their third conviction.
A spokesperson for Metrolinx tells CHCH News they are aware of the incident and will support Hamilton police with any investigation of the matter.
READ MORE: Ontario to suspend driver’s licences for convicted car thieves for at least 10 years
