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But the pandemic has made sales operations vulnerable. And this thief preyed upon that.
Police explained the unidentified man provided ID and a phone number and, appearing legitimate, the good-natured sales staff handed over the keys so the customer could take a test drive alone and feel safe from the possible spread of the virus.
Problem is, he never came back.
And he did this at two other locations without a hitch. Then came the one time a dealer decided it would be best for a sales person travel along. The thief was ready for that. And had some help.
“Due to COVID-19 policies, on three occasions the suspect has been allowed to test drive the vehicle alone, and leaves the dealership without returning,” Halton Regeional Police said in a statement released this week. “On one occasion when the suspect was accompanied on the test drive by an employee, a secondary vehicle became involved.”
A staged crash!
“Police believe a collision was intentionally initiated,” cops said in the statement. “Once the employee exited the vehicle to inspect the damage, both vehicles fled the scene.”
So that’s four high-end vehicles swiped. The vehicles targeted have been white and black 2016-2018 Mercedes Benz C-Class and GLE models.
Where are the cars now? In a garage somewhere? On their way off-shore to an awaiting customer?