Stolen high-end vehicles worth $430,000 recovered by Waterloo cops, Brampton man faces over a dozen charges

Three people including a man from Brampton are facing over two dozen combined charges after police in Waterloo seized $430,000 in high-end stolen cars, drugs and break-in tools in a months-long investigation.

Waterloo Regional Police say investigators have been looking into several cases of vehicles being stolen in what police call “reprogramming theft incidents” going back to June.

Along with what are known as “relay thefts,” reprogramming thefts are becoming more common among car thieves who will use an electronic device to access a vehicle’s diagnostics and reprogram a blank key fob so it can be started and stolen.

The investigation led officers to three suspects who were arrested on Thursday (Aug. 10), including a 25-year-old man from Brampton.

Officers also seized four vehicles worth approximately $430,000, along with an undisclosed amount of suspected heroin, vehicle break-in tools and reprogramming devices.

Photo: Waterloo Regional Police Service

Police have charged a 25-year-old man from Brampton with eight counts of theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of breach of release order, and several other offences including possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of break-in tools, and possession of a master key.

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A 24-year-old female from Toronto and a 24-year-old male from Kitchener are also facing several charges including possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of break-in tools, and possession of a master key.

Police have not disclosed the identities of the accused, who were held for a bail hearing. The investigation is ongoing and police are expecting even more charges will be laid.

Police are urging drivers to follow these tips to help prevent becoming a target for a reprogramming theft:

• Park your vehicle inside a locked and secure garage
• Block the access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprogramming the vehicle’s key fob. (A simple device can be purchased online)
• Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft
• When not in use, place the vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals
• Consider equipping your vehicle with an aftermarket global positioning system (GPS) tracker. The tracker may assist police in locating the vehicle and/or suspects
• Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle or unattended
• Lock your vehicle at all times
• Never leave your vehicle running and unattended
• Consider purchasing a surveillance system and ensure the quality and function will capture any suspicious activity for a 24-hour period.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious people or vehicles in their neighbourhood is encouraged to call 911 or contact local police.