Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have arrested a male in connection to vehicle reprogramming thefts in Cambridge.
On November 19, 2023, during the overnight hours, four parked vehicles were stolen using reprogramming technology. The vehicles were taken from the areas of Vivian Baulk Street, Bluewater Drive, Compass Trail, and Cowan Boulevard in Cambridge.
The vehicles taken included two Dodge Ram pickups, a Jeep Wrangler, and a Jeep Gladiator. All four vehicles were newer models.
Members of the Break, Enter and Vehicle Theft (BEVT) Unit continued the investigation and recovered two of the stolen vehicles in Cambridge.
As a result of the investigation, on November 21, 2023, a 24-year-old Brant County male was arrested and charged with the following:
- Possession of stolen property over $5,000
- Possession of a master key
The male was held for a bail hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing by Waterloo Regional Police Service's BEVT Unit.
How does relay vehicle theft work?
The suspect will approach a residence and use technology to find a key fob signal from inside a residence. The technology allows the suspects to remain outside the residence to amplify and transfer the key fob signal in order to unlock, start and steal the vehicle. The theft of the vehicle typically goes undetected until the morning when the owner discovers the vehicle has been stolen and they are still in possession of the key fob.
How does reprogramming vehicle theft work?
The suspects will approach the vehicle and force entry inside. Once inside the vehicle, an electronic device is used to access the vehicles diagnostics. The suspects then reprogram a blank key fob so the vehicle can be started.
How to protect your vehicle from a Relay or Reprogramming Theft?
Make your vehicle more secure with the following prevention tips:
- Park your vehicle inside a locked and secure garage or block your vehicle in with another vehicle.
- Block the access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprograming the vehicle’s key fob. (A simple device can be purchased online).
- Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft.
- When not in use, place the vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals.
- Consider equipping your vehicle with an aftermarket global positioning system (GPS) tracker. The tracker may assist police in locating the vehicle and/or suspects.
- Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle or unattended.
- Lock your vehicle at all times.
- Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
- Consider purchasing a surveillance system and ensure the quality and function will capture any suspicious activity for a 24-hour period.
If you observe suspicious people in your neighbourhood who are looking into vehicles we encourage you to call police immediately. This will assist investigators to track patterns of criminal behavior and potentially identify suspects.
A crime in-progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1. Any non-emergency incidents can be reported on-line at wrps.on.ca or by calling 519-570-9777.
WA23334037 (913)
Media Inquiries:
Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
publicinfo@wrps.on.ca
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