Stroller thieves plague Bloor West

A rash of stolen baby strollers has police warning Bloor West parents to secure their baby carriers or risk having someone stroll off with them.

“At the start of 2009, we began receiving reports that strollers were going missing,” Constable Wendy Drummond says.

At least six have gone missing, police report.

Two of the thefts were solved when a couple was found selling the high-end strollers online and charged. The investigation is ongoing.

The opportunistic thieves are primarily targeting high-end strollers that are left unattended on porches, police say.

Thieves may be turning an eye to the baby equipment, as the sale of used strollers can be profitable. Some models come with a retail price tag of well over $1,000.

“These strollers are expensive,” Drummond says. “They are sturdy, durable and built to last.”

Those looking to make a quick buck off the buggies should know their actions can lead to criminal charges if they’re caught, she adds.

Drummond says parents worried their stroller may be next should purchase a bicycle lock to protect their purchase.

“Secure your stroller like a bike, and if you have a garage, keep your stroller inside,” she says. “Put an identification number or distinguishing mark on it to make it identifiable in case of theft.”

Police are asking anyone with information on the stroller thefts to contact them at 416-808-1100 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).