Stolen vehicles are on the rise and this is what you can do to prevent it

The number of stolen vehicles and carjackings in Mississauga and Brampton has been on the rise in recent years, with a combined 95 cars stolen in both cities during the first seven days of 2023.

Peel Regional Police also say a large number of stolen vehicles are being shipped overseas to be sold in used car lots.

Police have been warning the public about car thieves using technology to gain access to vehicles, including “relay thefts,” when thieves are able to use equipment “to boost and exploit” the signals of a vehicle’s key fob.

Residents can help protect their vehicles by taking any of the following crime-prevention measures:

• Ensure your vehicle keys are kept well away from doors and windows
• Use a signal blocking pouch/box – they can block your key fob from transmitting its code to the vehicle as the pouch is lined with layers or metallic material
• Turn off the keyless fob wireless signal at night (refer to your car manual for instructions)
• Use a steering wheel lock or car alarm – this could add a significantly delay or be a deterrent for thieves
• Consider a secondary audible car alarm – which works by using sensors placed in different points of your vehicle
• Park in the garage (if possible)
• Insert a car tracker – unusual activity is monitored, and car can be tracked using GPS if stolen
• Always roll up your vehicle’s windows, lock the doors and pocket the key
• If you have a garage, use it and lock the door as well as your vehicle
• Park other vehicles behind your high-value vehicle to act as a deterrent to thieves
• Install an aftermarket anti-theft device in your vehicle in a location not easily visible
• Install a third-party GPS tracking device in the vehicle
• Keep your vehicle key fobs in a Faraday Box
• Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running