City of Vaughan is trying to fight car thefts by handing out thousands of free signal-blocking tools

York police has noted a spike in car thefts from people’s driveways, saying thieves typically like to operate between midnight and 6 a.m.

Thestar.com
Aug. 11, 2023
Manuela Vega

In an effort to reduce vehicle thefts in the GTA, the City of Vaughan is handing out thousands of free key fob protective bags to residents starting this week.

“Studies have shown that key fob protective bags can block thieves from reading radio frequencies in car key fobs,” the city wrote in an announcement. “While the bags are one method to safeguard your vehicle, you are encouraged to do your own research and take the appropriate steps you believe will best protect your property.”

The city says a limited number of bags will be distributed beginning Wednesday.

Last year, Waterloo police also handed out the protective bags as part of an event to raise awareness about keyless vehicle thefts.

As part of Vaughan’s pilot project, residents can request a bag at any community centre while supplies last. They are being given out on a first-come-first-served basis.

To receive a bag, residents must show a driver’s licence with a Vaughan address and sign a release of liability form.

Drivers can ensure the pouch works by walking up to their car and checking if the door opens. If it doesn’t, then the pouch has successfully blocked the fob signal.

Police warn about spike in auto thefts
According to Toronto police, auto theft in the city has “increased substantially” over the past few years, with Honda CR-Vs and Ford F-150 trucks being some of the most-stolen vehicles.

They announced in April that as part of their Project Stallion, they had recovered more than 550 stolen cars worth a combined $27.4 million. At the time, Chief Myron Demkiw said 314 charges had been laid against 119 people, and the investigation continued.

“Thieves are using highly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, and are using those vehicles to carry out other crimes or to ship them overseas, where they are resold for well above their value,” police said in a statement. In their investigation, however, no cars were recovered outside of the country, and most were recovered in the GTA.

York police has also noted a spike in car thefts from people’s driveways, saying thieves typically like to operate between midnight and 6 a.m.

Car thieves, said police, access the vehicle by lock manipulation, avoiding setting off alarms to connect an electronic device to the car’s dashboard, reprogramming the car setting and allowing them to use an external key to start the vehicle and drive it away.

Tips to avoid car theft
York Regional Police recommends people avoid having their car running unattended or leave their keys hanging inside the door, especially during winter months while warming up their vehicles.

Police also suggest people hold onto their keys at all times, keep their vehicles locked (even in the driveway) and park in a locked garage whenever possible. They should also ensure any valuables are in the trunk or out of view.

The Star’s Kevin Donovan has also reported on preventative measures that drivers can take to keep their cars safe, after his own vehicle was stolen from his Toronto driveway and ended up in Halifax at a port bound for the Middle East.

Among the steps drivers can take are purchasing a steering wheel lock and getting a “port blocker” ---a lock that attaches to the on-board diagnostic port under the dashboard.

Drivers can also use a CD to cover the 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) on a car’s dashboard. The number can help a thief access information that makes stealing the car easier.