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Police arrest Cambridge teen, recover 5 stolen vehicles in Preston

Vehicles worth an estimated $400,000 recovered Wednesday along with reprogramming devices, blank keys, cash and personal property
CambridgeToday Staff

A  Cambridge man is facing more than a dozen charges after police executed a search warrant at a home in Preston Heights on Wednesday and recovered five stolen vehicles.

Since December 19, Waterloo regional police say they've received ten reports of stolen vehicles and three reports of attempted thefts in the Waterloo region.

These incidents involved an organized group utilizing various reprogramming techniques.

The video above shows a person attempting to take a vehicle in this investigation.

On Wednesday, members of WRPS’ Break, Enter, and Vehicle Theft (BEVT) Team completed a search warrant at a residence in the area of Preston Parkway Boulevard and Linden Drive in Cambridge.

As a result of the investigation, they arrested an 18-year-old man and charged him with the following:

  • 10 counts of theft of motor vehicle

  • 3 counts of attempt theft of motor vehicle

  • Possession of an automobile master key

Throughout the investigation, investigators have seized reprogramming devices, blank keys, Canadian currency, a black sedan used in the offences, and personal property of the victims.

Investigators have also recovered five of the stolen vehicles with a total value of $400,000.

The accused is being held in police custody for a bail hearing.

The investigation is ongoing by WRPS’ BEVT Team.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 8255. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submitted online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com. 

 

 

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 vehicle’s diagnostics. The suspects then reprogram a blank key fob so the vehicle can be started.

Protecting Your Vehicle From Reprogramming Theft

Help 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 reprogramming the vehicle’s key fob (a simple device can be purchased online).

  • Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft. 

  • Equip your vehicle with an aftermarket Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker. GPS systems that come standard with some vehicles are frequently disabled by suspects, rendering them ineffective. The after-market 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 24 hours.      

If you observe suspicious people in your neighbourhood who are looking into vehicles, we encourage you to call police immediately. This will assist investigators in tracking patterns of criminal behaviour and potentially identifying suspects.

A crime in progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1. Any non-emergency incidents can be reported by calling 519-570-9777.