Tracking Device Leads To The Arrest Of Car Thief
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made an arrest and laid 29 charges following a five month auto theft investigation.
In April 2026 an investigation into an attempted auto theft began after an Oakville resident contacted police following their discovery of an Accutag tracking device affixed to their vehicle.
Members of the 2 District Criminal Investigation Bureau took carriage of the investigation. Utilizing various investigative techniques, including the completion of multiple judicial authorizations Darryl Davance (alias of Joey Tremblay) was identified as being responsible for 14 thefts and attempt thefts of high end Lexus and Toyota vehicles across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) including Halton Region, all occurring between March and August of 2026.
As a result of the investigation, on August 18, 2026, Darryl Davance (25), of Saint Jerome Quebec was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle (14 Counts)
- Fail to Comply Being on a Release Order (14 Counts)
- Mischief - Over $5000
Davance has been held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Of note, Davance was subject to prior forms of release for similar offences at the time of his arrest.
Investigators believe the accused to be responsible for several additional GTHA auto thefts and the investigation is ongoing.
During the course of the Investigation it was discovered that tracking devices had been affixed to multiple vehicles prior to their thefts and investigators would like to alert the public to this criminal tactic. The attached video demonstrates how quickly this can occur HERE
How the Tactic Works
Car thieves frequent busy public areas like shopping malls or hotel parking lots. Once they spot a target vehicle, they discreetly hide a small GPS or Bluetooth tracking device in a hard-to-see spot.
Common hiding places include:
- Behind the license plate
- Sideview mirror
- Inside the gas cap door
- Tucked into the wheel well or bumper
- Inside a trailer hitch
- Front grille and bumper area
The thieves monitor the vehicle's location via an app and wait until the car is parked in a quiet area where they can then perform a coordinated theft away from security cameras and potential witnesses.
Awareness & Safety Tips for Drivers
- Listen to Your Phone: There are apps available to download for both Apple and Android phones that will scan to detect if an unknown third party tracker is in your area. For example, if you use an iPhone and an unknown AirTag is moving with you, your phone will eventually send an alert: "AirTag Found Moving With You."
- Perform Physical Checks: Make it a habit to do a quick walk-around of your vehicle before leaving a public parking lot. Check obvious hiding spots like the wheel wells and license plates.
- Contact Police: If you suspect you are being tracked, do not drive directly home. Drive to a well-lit public area or a police station. Police can assist in locating and seizing these devices.
- If your vehicle has video recording capabilities consider turning them on when away from your vehicle, such as in a mall or parking lot setting.
If you find a tracking device on your car
Do not dispose of it immediately. Contact police. The device may contain digital footprints and physical evidence that can help police track down the criminal organization behind the attempt.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca
