Broad daylight car theft in Oshawa drives charges for Quebec man

A man faces charges after allegedly stealing a car in Oshawa in broad daylight.

The victim was in a store by Gibb Street and Stevenson Road around noon on June 15, according to Durham Police.

The area is home to the Oshawa Centre and a commercial plaza. Police did not specify which business the man was in.

However, when he exited, he saw his own car speeding off out of the parking lot. He called the police who combed the area. They found the car at a nearby gas station being filled up.

They arrested a man in the gas station; Carl Hetu-Lavoie, 33 of Quebec.

He’s charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and possession of break-in instruments. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2825.

The investigation formed part of Durham Police’s “Project Attire” which is designed to address car theft in the Region.

This project is a partnership with Equite Association, a non-profit company working to reduce insurance fraud and related crimes.

The collaboration began in December 2023, a year that saw 1,500 stolen cars.