Chevy tops list of vehicle thefts over past week in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills

Drivers of Chevrolet vehicles in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills just might want to keep a closer watch on their vehicles these days.

Auto theft is up across Halton Region and most of Ontario and more and more local drivers are waking up to find their vehicles missing from their driveways or stolen from a parking lot while out for dinner or shopping.

A graph put out by Halton police on social media shows the number of auto thefts and attempts in the region and topping the list were vehicles made by Chevy.

This past week alone, nine Chevrolet vehicles were stolen, while an attempt to steal another one was made. GMC vehicles were next on the list, with five stolen and thieves making attempts to steal two more.

“We’ve seen a spike in Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban and Escalade models being targeted via reprogramming thefts,” said police in a tweet released Tuesday on the X social media site.

Reprogramming thefts are becoming more and more common. Computer hackers developed a device that plugs into the port, boot up a vehicle’s software and then programs a blank key fob. This can be used to start the engine as well as unlock the doors.

Another method is the use of relay devices. The thief aims the relay device at the front door of a residence where the key fobs are often left, and the device then transmits the key’s signal to an accomplice near the vehicle door.

Lexus vehicles placed third on the list with four stolen vehicles this past week, while Honda was next on the list with two stolen vehicles. A Cadillac and Land Rover were also stolen, with two other attempts made at stealing each one.

Attention GM auto owners 🚘
This graph shows auto thefts across Halton over the past week by make
We've seen a spike in Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban and Escalade models being targeted via reprogramming thefts
Our latest media release for theft prevention tips https://t.co/ENb5QzW0EX pic.twitter.com/ydHbWIg8dh

— Halton Police (@HaltonPolice) August 29, 2023

Earlier this year the Ontario government announced it was providing $51 million in new measures over three years to help police identify and dismantle organized crime networks and put them in jail.

Auto thefts have risen 72 per cent across the province from 2014 to 2021 and by 14 per cent alone last year. A vehicle is stolen every 48 minutes in Ontario.

Halton police are reminding local residents that there are measures they can take to decrease the chance of having their vehicle stolen. They are:

• Park your vehicle in a locked garage
• Block the exit of a potential target vehicle with a second vehicle parked behind it
• Install and on-board diagnostic blocker/protector
• Install a steering wheel lock device
• Install an aftermarket GPS tracking device
• Install home security cameras on the exterior of the residence

The HRPS is applying significant resources to investigate these occurrences. Crime prevention is a shared responsibility and residents are asked to please call 911 if you witness a crime in progress or if you see suspicious persons/vehicles in your neighbourhood.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Regional Auto Theft Task Force at 905-825-4777 ext. 3407.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through their website at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.