Ontario is introducing new legislation to help police crack down on car thefts by allowing officers to search for and seize electronic devices commonly used in keyless vehicle thefts.
The proposed amendment to the Highway Traffic Act would let police act on suspicion that tools such as key fob programmers, fob scanners or certain smartphone apps are being used to steal cars. Lawful uses by auto dealers, mechanics and roadside assistance providers would be excluded.
“No matter where you live, every family deserves peace of mind knowing their homes – and their vehicles – are safe,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. “By cracking down on these illegal devices, we’re disrupting criminal activity and giving police the tools they need to stop thefts before they happen.”
The province says keyless entry theft is a growing concern, even as overall vehicle theft dropped 16 per cent in Ontario in 2024.
Zee Hamid, Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform, said the legislation will “support law enforcement in safeguarding our streets and make it easier to stop car thieves in their tracks.”
Ontario is also making its Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team permanent. Since launching in April 2024, the team has supported over 80 prosecutions and 20 investigations, tied to more than 1,700 stolen or targeted vehicles.
The team will focus on high-risk areas including Toronto, Ottawa, Brampton, Durham, and Windsor.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
