Porsche Theft in Canada: Woman Poses as Buyer, Injures Owner

In a startling incident that occurred on September 6, 2024, Canadian law enforcement is seeking public assistance in locating a woman who stole a Porsche Cayenne after posing as a potential buyer. The theft, which took place in Mississauga, Ontario, resulted in injuries to the vehicle's owner.

The Peel Regional Police have released security camera footage showing the suspect approaching the victim's residence near the intersection of Winston Churchill Boulevard and Eglinton Avenue. The woman, responding to an Auto Trader advertisement, expressed interest in purchasing the 2022 Porsche Cayenne, a luxury mid-size crossover SUV that has been in production since 2002.

The video reveals a sudden turn of events as the suspect enters the vehicle and rapidly reverses, striking the owner who was standing behind the car. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the victim's condition is not life-threatening. The suspect, having difficulty operating the vehicle, is seen struggling to shift gears before the footage ends.

Authorities are also investigating a potential accomplice, as a second vehicle is visible in the video. The Peel Regional Police, responsible for law enforcement in the Peel Region of Ontario, have provided a description of the suspect: a South Asian female, approximately 5'5" tall, weighing 120 lbs, with a thin build, long brown hair, and brown eyes. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a white long-sleeve shirt, brown skirt, and leather-strapped sandals.

This event highlights the growing concern over auto theft rates in Canada, which have been on the rise in recent years. Mississauga, the sixth most populous city in Canada with over 700,000 residents as of 2021, is not immune to such crimes.

In response to this incident and similar occurrences, law enforcement officials are urging the public to exercise caution when engaging in online sales transactions. They recommend utilizing designated safe zones at police stations for high-value exchanges, a practice that gained popularity in the mid-2010s.

"The victim was selling his vehicle, a 2022 Porsche Cayenne. While viewing the vehicle, the suspect reversed rapidly, striking and injuring the victim before fleeing with the stolen vehicle."

The Porsche Cayenne, which shares its platform with the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7, was Porsche's first venture into the SUV market. With an average weight of around 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg), the vehicle's size and power make this theft particularly concerning.

As the investigation continues, authorities are calling on anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to come forward. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety measures when conducting transactions initiated through online marketplaces.