The advent of keyless technology for Vehicle entry and ignition ended traditional car theft methods, such as hot-wiring.

However, ironically, these keyless systems are now contributing to an increase in car thefts, with no signs of this trend slowing down in the near future.

Preventing car theft in Toronto means adding as many security layers as possible. This includes using physical deterrents and precautions.

If you own a commercial parking lot or car dealership, it’s crucial to implement strong security measures. One effective strategy is remote video monitoring.

This blog will help you save your car from auto theft if you live in Toronto or anywhere nearby. To effectively combat vehicle theft, we first must understand the underlying issues.

We need to grasp the reasons behind the high incidence of car theft in Toronto.

Why are there so many car thefts in Toronto?

• Toronto is a densely populated city and provides ample opportunities for thieves to target vehicles.
  
• Toronto, being a major urban hub, boasts a significant number of high-value vehicles on its streets, making it a prime target for thieves.
  
• The city’s close access to major highways and ports likely aids in the swift transport of stolen vehicles to other areas, where they can be resold or dismantled for parts.
  
• The prevalence of organized crime groups and the availability of technology for vehicle theft contribute to the problem.

Now you understand why Toronto is a prime target for auto Thieves. The New York Times even dubbed Toronto a “candy store” for auto thieves due to the high number of vehicle thefts. 

Let’s identify the specific areas these thieves are targeting!

Where should you secure your vehicles?

A total of 5,600 Honda CR-V were stolen according to the list of most stolen cars in 2023 released by Équité Association. 

These thieves will steal anything, whether it’s a luxury car or a more ordinary model! SUVs, trucks, sedans—any type of car is fair game for them.

As highlighted above, thieves often prioritize swiftly stealing vehicles parked outside homes as their primary targets.

Commercial spaces, such as parking lots, shopping mall areas, condominiums, and both used and new car dealerships, are also prime targets for vehicle theft.

Top ten ways to prevent car theft in Toronto:

Bryan Gast, Vice-President of Investigative Services at Équité Association, advises that adding multiple layers of security can significantly complicate the theft of your vehicle.

By increasing the effort and time required for thieves, the process becomes less appealing. This logical approach underlines the importance of employing various tactics to deter car theft. 

Explore our comprehensive list of strategies designed to prevent vehicle theft.

Protect your VIN.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is one of the most valuable items in a car. It’s important to etch your VIN onto the windows and crucial auto parts. 

The vehicle identification number (VIN) can be found on a metal plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard and on the bottom of the door post.

Additionally, it’s important to etch the VIN onto other important auto parts. For example, the interior of the bumper, the catalytic converter, and the windows.

This helps deter theft and aids in identification if the vehicle is stolen. Criminals may steal a VIN from a wrecked vehicle and place it on a stolen one to conceal its identity.

If the stolen vehicle has a VIN, criminals must make significant efforts to make it appear legal.

Criminals might take a VIN from a damaged vehicle and affix it to a stolen vehicle to disguise its true identity.

If the stolen vehicle already has its VIN etched on numerous parts, thieves must undertake considerable efforts to make the new VIN taken from another stolen vehicle seem legitimate.

Check out our blog, where we explain in detail how you can etch VIN and what tools you can use to etch all by yourself!

Park in a garage. 

Parking in a securely locked garage is safer than parking on a quiet street. This is one of the best ways to prevent a car from being stolen from the driveway.

If thieves don’t see the car, they’re less likely to be tempted to steal it. If you own two vehicles, it’s wise to park the push-button keyless car at the back, covered by the less expensive vehicle, when possible.

Parking lots and car dealerships:

Large dealerships and parking lot owners can greatly benefit from strategically placing security cameras.

When these cameras are connected to a renowned remote video monitoring center, they provide proactive detection and rapid response. 

When the camera AI or analytics detect an intrusion or suspicious behavior, it triggers an alarm at the remote central monitoring center, prompting remote operators to spring into action.

They assess the situation through live and recorded video feeds and make appropriate decisions following each client’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Voice interventions using on-site loudspeakers for audio warnings are often sufficient to deter criminals from the property.

Use security cameras.

Securing commercial areas requires strategic placement of cameras. When these cameras are layered with AI solutions, they swiftly detect security breaches such as intrusion, smoke and fire, masked individuals, gun detection and much more.

An IP pan tilt zoom (PTZ) camera is an ideal choice because it offers you greater coverage and infrared illumination provides better visibility in lowlight or nighttime!  

Check out this blog to discover different types of CCTV cameras.

Protect your key fob.

Protecting your key fobs is crucial to prevent relay attacks. The startling image below shared by Toronto CTV News shows a staggering 11,767 cars stolen in 2023.

The majority of these alarming thefts occur because criminals intercept RFID signals from your key fob, whether it’s near your main door at home or even in your pocket!

Faraday pouches and Faraday boxes are essential tools for safeguarding your vehicle against theft. These specialized accessories utilize advanced signal-blocking technology to prevent unauthorized access to your vehicle effectively. 

By creating a protective barrier, they ensure that signals from your key fob cannot be intercepted or manipulated by criminals.

This innovative technology provides peace of mind, offering a reliable solution to keep your vehicle secure.

Use port blockers.

Modern vehicles are vulnerable to hacking through OBD ports and CAN bus systems. 

OBD Port Hacking: Thieves can plug devices into the OBD port to access the car’s electronics. These devices exploit weaknesses in the car’s software, letting the thief bypass security and control important car functions.

CAN Bus Hacking: Thieves exploit vulnerabilities in a car’s CAN bus system, a network that allows various components to communicate with each other.

By intercepting and altering the data transmitted across this system, they can send deceptive signals or malicious code, tricking the vehicle’s electronic systems into unauthorized actions, such as unlocking doors or starting the engine.

This technique, known as CAN injection, represents a sophisticated form of keyless theft. Thieves simulate the signals from a smart key receiver, fooling the system into recognizing a false validation.

This cunning approach effectively disengages the immobilizer, allowing unauthorized entry and control of the vehicle.

OBD port blockers are devices intended to prevent criminals from accessing a car’s system through the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port to program a new key fob after gaining entry to the vehicle.

Use multiple locks.

The use of a steering wheel lock is a widely recognized and effective method to deter car theft. Having a steering wheel lock visibly discourages thieves.

While it might only take a short time to cut through the lock, the additional time required to do so increases the chances of the thieves getting caught compared to a vehicle without a lock.

One highly recommended option is the Tevlaphee steering lock, which secures not only the steering wheel but also connects to the clutch or brake pedal, adding an extra layer of security.

The above steering wheel lock claims to be the world’s strongest steering wheel lock and shields against any attempts at breaking or tampering. 

It encases the steering wheel, making it nearly impossible to steer the vehicle. Its unique patented spinning mechanism introduces additional complexity, thwarting any efforts to bypass or compromise its security features.

This combination of strength and innovation makes it a highly effective deterrent against car theft.

Beware of new technologies.

While the latest technologies are continuously being developed to trace thefts and enhance our lives’ security, thieves are also finding ways to exploit these advancements in reverse. 

For instance, items like Airtags can be covertly placed by thieves in your vehicle. They might conceal it under the bumper or underneath the car, enabling them to track your location.

Once you reach a secluded area, they could seize the opportunity to steal your car effortlessly. Therefore, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any suspicious attachments to prevent such incidents.

Install a kill switch.

This device is also referred to as an ignition wire kill switch. It’s a compact switch that interrupts the ignition circuit, preventing your car from starting.

This means if a thief manages to break into your car, installing a simple kill switch could effectively thwart their attempt to steal your vehicle.

All you need to do is cut the ignition wire and connect both of these wires to a kill switch using a connector.

A kill switch may cost somewhat around $20-$100. However, since cutting the wire could void your car’s warranty, it is best to seek professional assistance!

Invest in an alarm system.

Car alarm systems are a security device installed in vehicles to alert the owner or bystanders of potential theft or unauthorized entry.

It typically consists of sensors placed in strategic locations around the vehicle, such as doors, windows, and the hood, which detect any attempts to force entry or tamper with the vehicle. 

When someone tries to enter or opens the door, it triggers an alarm. The alarm emits loud sounds and flashes lights, drawing attention to the attempted theft and deterring the thief. 

Some advanced car alarm systems also feature remote monitoring capabilities, allowing the owner to receive notifications on their smartphone or other devices if the alarm is activated. 

Some car alarm systems also allow users to remotely monitor and control their vehicle using their smartphone. With features such as GPS tracking, remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle status notifications.

Tips:

• Leave your business card in the car. If it gets stolen, it might help the police to contact you.
• Never leave valuables in the car, as it might attract thieves.
• Turn your wheel inward to make it harder for thieves to drive or tow your vehicle away.
• Apply decals, stickers, or other distinctive markings to indicate that your car is under tight security.
• Keep your garage well-lit so the thieves do not take advantage of these dull and dark, secluded areas.

What is Canada doing about car theft in Toronto? 

• Toronto police have started a special task force to deal with car thefts and stop organized crime. This team has arrested 121 suspects, charged them with 730 crimes, and found 157 stolen cars.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to explore all options to ban advanced tools thieves use to steal cars. 
• Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre suggested tougher penalties for car thieves if he becomes the elected leader.

Conclusion: 

While the government of Canada invests 15 million dollars to combat auto theft, it’s time you also invest in the security of your car!

To prevent car theft in Toronto, it’s essential to employ multiple layers of security measures.

This includes physical deterrents such as steering wheel locks and parking in well-lit areas. Additionally, it involves utilizing advanced technologies like GPS tracking systems and car alarm systems.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of car theft and safeguard your vehicle from potential theft attempts.

Contact us for a customized security solution for your business today!

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