Peel Police say nearly 30 cars have been stolen from homes in Mississauga and Brampton

Peel Regional Police are trying to put the brakes on a dramatic spike in luxury vehicle thefts in which the culprits are stealing SUVs, pickup trucks and other cars right from the driveways of Mississauga and Brampton homes in the middle of the night. 

Police say nearly 30 vehicles have been stolen from homes across Peel since the beginning of September. The thefts are mostly taking place on weekdays, between midnight and 5 a.m. 

They believe those responsible are using advanced technology to obtain codes for key fobs, then grabbing the vehicles before either shipping them out of the country or disassembling them and/or re-vinning them for sale to unsuspecting buyers via private sale. 

Police say luxury vehicles, SUVs and pickup trucks equipped with push-button start seem to be what the culprits are targeting. 

Investigators are urging people to be increasingly vigilant in protecting their vehicles.  

“Homeowners are encouraged to become familiar with their neighbours and be cognizant of suspicious activity, and report that activity to police,” investigators say. 

Police say vehicle owners can also do the following: 

• park vehicles in a locked garage, if possible
• install GPS trackers, if possible
• install steering wheel lock
• store vehicle keys/fobs away from the exterior walls of your home
• ensure you always lock car doors and roll up windows
• ensure there’s adequate lighting near driveways and entranceways