Police investigate spike in vehicle thefts in Burlington

Halton police say there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicle thefts in Burlington this month.

So far, a total of ten high-end vehicles have been stolen by thieves using reprogramming technology.

In a reprogramming theft, the criminal 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.

Police say a Honda CRV, a Lexus RX 350, a Toyota Highlander, and a Ford 150 were among the vehicles taken in the recent thefts.

High-end vehicle thefts have continuously been on the rise in Halton Region.

There have been more than 75 thefts reported since January 2021.

Back in July, Halton police said the service was dedicating significant resources to investigate the thefts.

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

• Park your vehicle in a locked garage
• Block the exit of a potential target vehicle with a second vehicle parked behind it
• Install and on-board diagnostic blocker/protector
• Install a steering wheel lock device
• Install an aftermarket GPS tracking device
• Install home security cameras on the exterior of the residence