Motor vehicles are fixtures in our day-to-day lives and are of high-value. As a result, they are often the target of crime.

Help us help you. We need you to be our eyes and ears. 

Call 905-825-4777 if your vehicle is stolen or if you see suspicious vehicles or persons (e.g. unfamiliar, unusual, loitering) in your neighbourhood.

Dial 911 if you witness a crime in progress or a dangerous situation.

Relay and Reprogramming Theft Prevention Tips

Relay and reprogramming thefts of high-end vehicles with keyless entry and push start technology are becoming increasingly common.

The majority of the vehicles are being stolen from residential driveways, usually in the overnight hours.

Help secure your vehicle by:

  • parking your vehicle in a locked/secure garage, if possible

  • locking the onboard diagnostic port using a simple device (that can be purchased online) that blocks access to where thieves reprogram the vehicle’s key fob 

  • using a steering wheel locking device to deter theft

  • investing in an aftermarket global positioning system (GPS) tracker as it may assist in recovery of the vehicle if it is stolen 

  • placing vehicle key fobs inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals when not in use

  • considering the purchase of a quality video surveillance system. Ensure your cameras are properly placed and functioning for 24-hour use.

Additional Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips

  • Always lock all vehicle doors and windows after entering and exiting it
  • Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even for a few seconds. Turn off the ignition and take the keys with you.
  • Vehicle contents:
    • Never hide a spare key in your car or outside your residence
    • Never leave personal identification or valuables in your vehicle
    • Remove technology and other removable accessories from view when not in your vehicle
  • Invest in anti-theft devices:
    • Ignition or fuel kill switches
    • Steering wheel, gearshift, and hood locks
    • A steering column collar
    • Electronic alarm

Additional Measures to Take

Unfortunately, despite all efforts to prevent vehicle theft, it still occurs. The HRPS encourages all vehicle owners to:

  • Record the following information and store it in a safe place:
    • Year, make, model, and colour of your vehicle
    • Licence plate and vehicle identification numbers
    • Serial numbers for any special equipment
    • Any dents or scratches that distinguish your vehicle from others
  • Drop a business card down the panel doors to assist police with identifying the vehicle's registered owner
  • 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.

Download a PDF version of these Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips.