The number of car thefts in Ontario, particularly in the GTA, has exploded in recent years. It’s gotten so bad that calling it an epidemic wouldn’t be an overstatement. Car theft epidemic across Toronto have increased by nearly 200% since 2018, with similar trends observed in Ottawa and Peel Region. So unless you live in a gated community or a building that provides safe, secure and professional valet parking service like Gatsby Valet, you need to be on your toes.
How Car Thieves Are Taking Advantage of the Digital Age
Modern methods of car theft often involve using a vehicle’s technology against it. In what’s known as a “relay attack,” thieves use a device that amplifies the radio signal between the car’s key fob and the vehicle, which tricks the car into disarming and starting. This means these thefts can, and mostly do, happen right from a victim’s driveway as they sleep.
Another alarming trend involves hackers accessing a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic (OBD) port. They then program a counterfeit key fob, enabling them to start and drive a car while disabling its alarm system.
As if stealing cars wasn’t bad already, now criminals are taking it up a notch by breaking into vehicles specifically to grab personal info and vehicle details. They’re after things like the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the owner’s name, and their address. They don’t even bother taking the car itself.
Like a nasty surprise waiting for them when they attempt to register themselves as the new owners with ServiceOntario, buyers only find out that the car they purchased is actually stolen. It’s a major headache because they end up having to return the car to the rightful owner, leaving them out of pocket for the money they spent on buying it.
How to Protect Yourself from Car Theft
Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to shield your car from these sophisticated car thieves. Begin by removing all valuables and government IDs from your vehicle, reducing the temptation for criminals. Halton Regional Police recommends several tried-and-tested security methods, such as never leaving your car unattended while running and utilizing secure parking facilities whenever possible. Other recommendations include:
- Enhance your car’s protection by using an OBD lock to secure the OBD port and storing your key fob in a Faraday pouch or radio frequency-blocking container, ensuring that thieves cannot amplify the signal.
- Install a steering wheel lock or steering column collar as a visible deterrent to potential thieves.
- You can also install a GPS tracker, which not only discourages theft but also aids in the recovery of your vehicle if it is stolen.
- Stay one step ahead of criminals by equipping your car with a video doorbell or a smart security camera system, enhancing surveillance capabilities and deterring theft attempts.
- Always lock your windows and doors when parking, and avoid leaving spare keys inside or outside your car.
- For an extra level of protection, think about installing an ignition or fuel kill switch, making it highly challenging for thieves to operate your vehicle.
If the worst happens, and your car is stolen, you can aid law enforcement in identifying you as the vehicle’s rightful owner if it is recovered by dropping business cards down the door panels. This simple act can help authorities return your car to you.
