Vacation Nightmare: American Family's Car Targeted Twice in Montreal's Rising Theft Wave

A dream vacation to Montreal turned into a chilling nightmare for an American family, as their vehicle became the target of attempted theft not once, but twice, during their visits to the beloved Canadian city. The Aubrecht family, hailing from Albany, New York, found their affection for Montreal severely tested by the city's escalating car theft crisis, leaving them shaken and questioning future trips.

Their ordeal began in June during a family visit.

While staying in Montreal's vibrant Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, their relatively new Honda CR-V, a model highly sought after by thieves, was meticulously targeted. Unbeknownst to them at the time, their vehicle's steering column was tampered with in a sophisticated, nearly silent attempt to hotwire it.

It wasn't until they had driven a considerable distance back towards the U.S. that they noticed the tell-tale signs of forced entry and attempted theft, the damage a stark reminder of their brush with crime.

Despite the unsettling experience, the Aubrechts, deeply fond of Montreal, decided to return in August, hoping the first incident was an isolated stroke of bad luck.

This time, they opted for the historic charm of Old Montreal, believing a change of location might offer more security. However, fate, or rather, persistent car thieves, had other plans. Their Honda CR-V once again became a target, proving that the threat was pervasive across the city.

The second attempt was far more dramatic and almost certainly successful, had it not been for the quick thinking of a Good Samaritan.

In the dead of night, two men were spotted by a vigilant Montreal taxi driver, attempting to force their way into the Aubrecht's vehicle. The thieves didn't hesitate to smash a window, a brazen act that shattered not just glass, but the family's sense of security. The taxi driver, witnessing the crime unfold, courageously intervened, honking his horn repeatedly and shouting, scaring off the suspects who fled into the darkness.

Montreal police, lauded for their swift response in both instances, arrived quickly to secure the scene, confirming the alarming trend of Honda CR-Vs being prime targets.

For the Aubrecht family, the repeated attempts have left an indelible mark of fear and violation. Speaking about their harrowing experiences, they expressed profound sadness and disillusionment.

What was once a cherished destination now brings a sense of unease. The emotional toll of having their personal space invaded and their vehicle targeted has led them to seriously reconsider future visits to a city they once adored, highlighting the human cost of the rising crime wave.

Their story casts a spotlight on Montreal's burgeoning car theft epidemic, a crisis that has seen an alarming surge in vehicle disappearances.

Police statistics and expert observations confirm that models like the Honda CR-V and various Hyundai vehicles are particularly vulnerable due to methods often referred to as 'mouse-and-keyboard' theft, employing sophisticated electronic devices to bypass security systems. This high-tech crime is not just an inconvenience but a significant concern for both residents and the tourism industry, as even visitors are not immune to the pervasive threat.

The Aubrecht family's ordeal serves as a stark warning to anyone visiting or residing in Montreal: vigilance and enhanced security measures are becoming increasingly crucial.

While the city remains a beautiful and welcoming place, the shadow of pervasive car theft looms large, urging both authorities and individuals to address this escalating problem with renewed urgency to protect both property and peace of mind.