Halton police see spike in high-end vehicle thefts with keyless entry

Halton police are warning the public about a rise in thefts involving vehicles with keyless entry.

Police say the region has seen an increase in relay and reprogramming thefts of high-end vehicles with keyless entry and push-start technology.

Since January, there have been 124 vehicles reported stolen in the town of Oakville. In 66 of those thefts, criminals used relay or reprogramming technology.

Police say a relay device is used to find a key fob signal from inside a residence.

“The thieves do not need to enter the residence in order to find the signal. The signal is then amplified which allows the thieves to unlock, start and steal the vehicle,” said Halton police in a news release.

Police say the owner discovers their vehicle has been stolen, even though they are in possession of their key fob.

The theft typically takes less than one minute.

In a reprogramming theft, the thieves will first break into the vehicle using a tool. They will then access the vehicle’s diagnostic port and reprogram a blank key fob which allows them to start and steal the vehicle.

Halton police say they are applying “significant resources” to investigate these thefts.

Police have offered the following tips for residents to help keep their vehicles safe:

• Park your vehicle in a locked and secured garage
• Install an on-board diagnostic blocker
• Install a steering wheel lock device
• Combine the above measures with an aftermarket GPS tracking device
• Place vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag when not in use
• Lock your vehicle at all times
• Equip your vehicle with an alarm
• Install home security cameras that capture the exterior of your residence, including the driveway

Anyone with information that could help police with their investigation is asked to contact at 905-825-4777.