HI-TECH thefts of high-end cars right from your driveway happens more than you think. Courtesy photo.
THIEVES no longer have to enter the home to find the key fob.
Halton Regional police say they have had more than 124 high-end vehicles stolen since January by thieves who have mastered keyless entry and push-start technology.
The force is warning that they have seen an increase in relay and reprogramming thefts of expensive vehicles using keyless entry and push-start technology.
In most thefts, the vehicles are being stolen from the residents’ driveways during the overnight hours. The theft takes less than a minute, police said.
Police said 66 of the 124 autos stolen in Oakville have been through the use of relay or reprogramming technology.
“Thieves will use technology called a ‘relay device’ to find a key fob signal from inside a residence,” according to a Halton police release. “The thieves do not need to enter a residence to find the signal.”
The signal is then amplified which allow the thieves to unlock, start and steal the vehicle, according to police. The vehicle owners are shocked to discover their vehicle has been stolen and they are in possession of the key fob.
Halton auto officers warn that thieves also gain entry into the costly vehicles by mechanical means, like 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.
In most cases, the vehicles are shipped abroad to foreign countries for sale within hours.
Police say the thefts can be avoided if residents; park in a locked and secured garage, install an on-board diagnostic blocker, install a steering wheel lock device, obtain a GPS tracking device, place the key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag when not in use, equip the vehicle with an alarm and security cameras that capture the outside of your home.
Crime prevention is a shared responsibility. Call 911 if you witness a crime in progress. Call 905-825-4777 if you see suspicious vehicles or persons in your neighbourhood.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.