Caledon car thieves steal five Toyotas in one night, could use key cloning to steal your ride

Brampton | Caledon | Mississauga | Crime | Latest News |

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Published April 8, 2022 at 10:50 am

Police say devices like the ones pictured here can be used by car thieves to copy your key fob information. (Photo courtesy Caledon OPP)

Car thieves in Caledon may be copying key fobs to steal vehicles right out from their owner’s driveways.

Police in Caledon say there was a string of car thefts in the Bolton area on Tuesday (April 5) when five Toyota vehicles were reportedly stolen from residential driveways where they were parked for the night.

Three Highlanders and two 4Runners were the target vehicles, and surveillance video caught one of the thefts on camera.

Two male suspects were seen on video entering a vehicle and leaving shortly after, only to have two different males again enter the vehicle and leave again.

Around half an hour later, the first two suspects are seen returning to the vehicle with one of the men starting the car and driving away while the other male left the scene on foot.

Police say car thieves can use devices connected to a vehicle’s data port to retrieve vehicle information.

Once the data is secured, the thieves will go to another location where a new key fob is created which can be used to start your vehicle and drive away.

Car jackers will also use devices to boost the signal from the key fob you have in your residence.

These “relay thefts” allow criminals to boost your key signal to unlock your vehicle, start the engine, and drive away.

Police have released images of one of the thefts on Tuesday night, and while the camera quality is poor investigators are hoping the images may help identify the suspects.

Investigators are also urging residents to be aware of these tactics and take steps to protect their vehicles from thieves:

  • Ensure your vehicle keys are kept well away from doors and windows
  • Use a signal blocking pouch – they can block your key fob from transmitting its code to the vehicle as the pouch is lined with layers or metallic material
  • Turn off the keyless fob wireless signal at night – refer to your car manual for instructions
  • Use a steering wheel lock or car alarm – this could add a significantly delay or be a deterrent for thieves
  • Consider a secondary audible car alarm – which works by using sensors placed in different points of your vehicle
  • Park in the garage if possible
  • Insert a car tracker to locate your vehicle using GPS if stolen

Anyone with information on these incidents or who may be able to identify any of the suspects is asked to contact the Caledon OPP at (905)-584-2241 or 1-888-310-1122.

You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, you never have to testify and you could receive a cash reward of up to $2000 upon an arrest.

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