Auto Theft

Re-vinning

Re-vinning involves changing an automobile’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to a fraudulent/fabricated number to conceal the fact that it is has been stolen.

Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) administers and enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act as well as relevant sections of the Consumer Protection Act on behalf of Ontario’s Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (MPBSD). Its aim is to protect the rights of consumers and to ensure fair, honest, and open competition for registered motor vehicle dealers.

For steps you can take to help prevent and/or avoid falling victim when purchasing a pre-used vehicle, visit OMVIC: Buying a New or Used Cars in Ontario | Car Buying Tips

Home Entries Targeting Keys

A more recent auto theft trend emerging in Halton region and throughout the GTA involves thieves entering unoccupied and/or occupied homes in search of the keys to select high-end, luxury vehicles. These brands, which include Mercedes and Range Rover, among others, are equipped with systems that are harder for thieves to bypass through reprogramming, making their keys valuable targets in and among themselves.

Carjacking

Carjacking involves the often violent theft of a vehicle while it is occupied by its driver. Although incidents are on the decline in Halton, they do occur from time to time. While carjackings can appear random, these crimes frequently occur in commercial areas, on streets and intersections as well as parking lots where vehicles are stopped and are vulnerable to potential carjackers. Once carjackers identify a vehicle, tactics used can include a quick "bump" of the vehicle in an effort to stage a collision and distract the driver. A vehicle may also be blocked on a busy street or at an intersection to prevent its escape. Drivers may also be approached in parking lots as they walk toward or enter their vehicle.

See our Carjacking postcard for tips on how to protect yourself from a potential carjacking.

There are a number of measures you can take to decrease the chance of losing your vehicle to auto theft:

• Install an after-market GPS tracking device (this is currently the number-one theft deterrent)

• Park your vehicle in a locked garage
• Block the exit of a potential target vehicle with a second vehicle of lesser value parked behind it
• Purchase and use a steering wheel lock device
• Install an on-board diagnostic blocker/protector
• Install a kill switch in your vehicle 
• If selling a vehicle privately, be cautious when allowing test drives. Ensure that you have confirmed a potential buyer's identity prior to releasing your vehicle.

You can take further steps to help safeguard your home from entry targeting vehicle keys:

• Ensure that your residence and its surrounding area are well lit

• Trim hedges so that your home is visible to neighbours and passerby
• Install audible alarms
• Install home security cameras on the exterior of your residence and position them to ensure they capture images of anyone on your property
• Lock all vehicles and access doors to your home

Finally, you can reduce the likelihood of purchasing a re-vinned vehicle:

• Confirm the seller’s identity. Check the individual’s identification and proof of ownership.
• Do your research. Order a vehicle history report before purchasing.
• Avoid cash purchases. Issue a cheque to the registered owner.
• Get the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic or manufacturer’s dealership before buying it. A re-vinned vehicle can be detected through inspection programs.
• Don’t avoid taxes. Request a receipt that includes the seller’s information.
• Carefully review the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) that sellers must provide. Ensure all pages are enclosed.
• Ask questions. How long was the vehicle owned? Are there maintenance records? Why are they selling?
• Do not let anyone else register the vehicle for you.
• Consider the price. If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

Tips provided by Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC)