Police warn residents after spike in vehicle thefts in Brantford

Brantford police are warning residents about a new trend involving vehicle thefts in the city.

Police say thieves have used relay and reprogramming technology to steal six vehicles in Brantford in the last week.

In a relay theft, the thief will approach a residence and use technology to find a key fob signal from inside a home. The technology allows the suspects to remain outside the residence to amplify and transfer the key fob signal in order to unlock, start and steal the vehicle.

In a reprogramming theft, the criminal will break into a vehicle and once inside, use an electronic device to access the vehicle’s diagnostics. The suspects then reprogram a blank key fob so the vehicle can be started.

Brantford police say all six vehicles stolen this week were newer model, high-end vehicles with keyless entry and push start technology.

They say four addresses were targeted during the overnight hours of Sept. 4 and 5.

Two Lexus RX5’s were stolen from Tom Thompson Crt. and Warner Lane and three Toyota 4Runner’s were stolen from Varley Crescent and from a Toyota dealership at 5 Woodyatt Dr. A Toyota Highlander was also stolen from the dealership.

Police are asking anyone with information about these incidents to contact investigators.

Police have also offered the following tips to help keep your vehicles safe.

• Park your vehicle inside a locked and secure garage.
• Block access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprograming the vehicle’s key fob. (A simple device can be purchased online).
• Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft.
• Place the vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals when not in use. Inside your residence and in a purse or pocket.
• Consider equipping your vehicle with an aftermarket global positioning system (GPS) tracker. The tracker may assist police in locating the vehicle and/or suspects.
• Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle or unattended.
• Lock your vehicle at all times.
• Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
• Consider purchasing a surveillance system and ensure the quality and function will capture any suspicious activity for a 24 hour period.