Vaughan offers free Faraday bags in pilot project to combat auto theft

City offering protective bags that can block radio frequencies in vehicle key fobs

yorkregion.com
Brian Capitao
Aug. 11, 2023

Vaughan has launched a pilot project to combat auto theft.

The city is going ahead with its plans to offer key fob-protective bags that studies show can block thieves from reading radio frequencies in vehicle key fobs.

In June, city council deliberated whether it would fully or partially fund Faraday bags, at the behest of Mayor Steven Del Duca.

Under the now approved pilot, thousands of bags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Del Duca and members of council unveiled the program at Vellore Village Community Centre ---one of the city-run locations where residents can pick up a pouch. Pouches are available at any community centre while supplies last.

“These pouches reduce a thief’s ability to intercept a key’s radio frequency ---hopefully reducing the number of auto thefts in our city. We will continue to work with our municipal counterparts in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, other levels of government, police services and others to fight auto theft in our community,” Del Duca said.

In order to pick up a pouch, residents must show their driver’s licence with a Vaughan home address and to sign a release of liability form. Only one is available per person.

In order protect your vehicle, here are some additional tips from York Regional Police:

• Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
• Maintain control of your keys at all times.
• Always lock your vehicle, even while in the driveway.
• When possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage.
• Don't leave keys hanging inside the door, especially if they can be seen from outside.
• Ensure valuables are in the trunk or out of view.

To learn more, visit YRP’s Home Security and Protection webpage.