THE COUNTIES, Ontario - A professional thief can steal your vehicle in just 30 seconds - without the key and using tools, apps and preprogrammed fobs. For the most part, thieves use electronic means to overrides security/ignition systems.
The thieves will use electronic devices to enter the vehicle, start the engine and leave. Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry OPP officers are investigating several thefts of high-end and newer motor vehicles like Jeep, Toyota, Lexus, Ford SUV’s and Trucks in recent weeks. Most theft occurs weekdays overnight.
The number of incidents is increasing, involving high-end and newer vehicles, which are equipped with keyless starting fob systems. The push-start/keyless vehicles are more frequently targeted as thieves can override their electronic ignition systems with hand-held devices.
The OPP is recommending the installation of a steering wheel lock bar to deter thieves from stealing vehicles and driving away with them, even if they are able to start the engine. Parking vehicles within your garage when able, installing outdoor camera systems, motion lighting and watching out for suspicious people/vehicles in your neighbourhood could prevent you from becoming a target.
Auto theft costs Canadians more than $1.2 billion every year. About half of all stolen vehicles are used to commit another crime or are driven - often recklessly - for simple purposes of transportation (this is called 'destination theft'). In these cases, the thieves take advantage of owner negligence by grabbing the first vehicle they can find that's been left unsecured.
In the other half of cases, vehicles are stolen by thieves involved in organized crime rings.
Anyone having information on the above incident or any other crime is asked to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or you can submit a TIP online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.