Police step up efforts to put brakes on Mississauga luxury vehicle thefts

Mississauga | Ontario | Crime | Latest News |

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Published October 13, 2021 at 9:19 am

In an effort to put the brakes on a huge spike in luxury vehicle thefts in Mississauga, Peel Regional Police are giving car owners a sign—actually, a number of signs—to help thwart the car thieves. 

Investigators working out of Peel police 11 Division in the city’s west end say that over the next few weeks residents can expect to see large street signs at locations that have seen an increase in luxury vehicle thefts.  

The signs read: “Keyless ignition? You might be at risk! High-end vehicle thefts are happening in your area.”  

Police hope the signs will provide an extra reminder for people to take steps to protect their vehicles. 

In many cases, the culprits are stealing luxury cars, SUVs and pickup trucks right from the driveways of Mississauga homes in the middle of the night. 

Police say nearly 30 vehicles were stolen from homes across Peel in the first couple weeks of September. The thefts mostly took place on weekdays, between midnight and 5 a.m.  

They believe those responsible are using advanced technology to obtain codes for key fobs, then grabbing the vehicles before either shipping them out of the country or disassembling them and/or re-vinning them for sale to unsuspecting buyers via private sale.  

Police say luxury vehicles, SUVs and pickup trucks equipped with push-button start seem to be what the culprits are targeting.  

“Homeowners are encouraged to become familiar with their neighbours and be cognizant of suspicious activity, and report that activity to police,” investigators say.  

Police say vehicle owners can also do the following:  

  • park vehicles in a locked garage, if possible 
  • install GPS trackers, if possible 
  • install steering wheel lock 
  • store vehicle keys/fobs away from the exterior walls of your home 
  • ensure you always lock car doors and roll up windows 
  • ensure there’s adequate lighting near driveways and entranceways 

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