NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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Waterloo Regional Police’s Break, Enter, and Vehicle Theft Team (BEVT) has charged three males involved in reprogramming thefts of motor vehicles.
On Jan. 31, 2024, at approximately 5:10 a.m., a 2023 Toyota Tundra was stolen from a driveway in the area of Randall Road and Winston Boulevard in Cambridge. The Toyota and a stolen Jaguar F-Pace were located, occupied, by police a short time later on Side Road 12 N near Concession Road 4 in the Township of Puslinch.
Upon police arrival, the suspects abandoned the Toyota and attempted to flee in the Jaguar. Police initiated a suspect apprehension pursuit, stopping the vehicle a short distance away. Three suspects exited the vehicle, fled on foot, and, after a short foot pursuit, were placed under arrest.
As part of the investigation, officers recovered the two stolen vehicles, valued at approximately $140,000, and seized reprogramming equipment, break-in tools, and Canadian currency.
As a result of the investigation, three 22-year-old males from Brampton were charged with several offences, including:
- theft of motor vehicle (seven counts)
- conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
- possession of automobile master key
- possession of break-in instruments
- possession of stolen property over $5,000
- flight from police
- dangerous driving
BEVT investigators believe the accused males have been involved in reprogramming thefts throughout Ontario, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
Since 2021, reprogramming thefts have been a provincial and local trend. Vehicles currently being targeted for reprogramming theft in Waterloo Region include newer model Toyota Tundras, Toyota Highlanders, Jeep Wranglers, and Ram pickup trucks.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to consider taking the following measures to help make their vehicle more secure:
- Block 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.
- 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.
If you observe suspicious persons in your neighbourhood looking into vehicles, please call police immediately.
A crime in progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1. Any non-emergency incidents can be reported by calling 519-570-9777.
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