'Opportunistic teens' stole a car, police say, caused father to miss the birth of his child

Hamilton police say they've arrested and charged 11 youth in relation to a series of vehicle thefts dating back to September, including a recent one that caused the victim to miss the birth of their child. 

On Jan. 14, a 39-year-old man left his Honda CR-V running while he picked his child up from daycare, police said in a Thursday news release. "Opportunistic teens" stole the car while it was unattended.

Before the theft, the victim's pregnant spouse had been admitted to hospital for medical complications, police said. The victim's phone was in the car and hours later, he learned through a neighbour that his spouse wanted him to come to the hospital right away. They'd had emergency surgery to deliver their baby. 

"The victim missed the birth of their child because their vehicle and phone had been stolen," police said.

On Jan. 21, police found the stolen Honda with several youths inside. They arrested them and another youth in a nearby residence. 

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Police say they charged a 15-year-old Hamilton boy with several offences including vehicle theft and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. They charged a Hamilton girl, 16, with crimes including vehicle theft and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. They charged two more girls and five more boys with "occupant of motor vehicle without consent."

They "continue to investigate the involvement of other individuals."