Over the past three months there has been an increase of luxury vehicle thefts in Ajax, Pickering and Whitby, police said.
With the cold weather police are reminding vehicle owners to use a remote starter to warm up their vehicles and to never leave their keys in the ignition for this purpose. Residents are encouraged to lock their vehicles and to remove any valuables from view.
Police are also reminding vehicle owners who use remote key fobs to start their vehicle to store them away from the front door and to take extra precautions to safeguard their vehicles. Thieves may be utilizing a tool called an amplifier which duplicates a key fob’s frequency to steal vehicles without the need for the key.
Police are encouraging residents to consider:
- using video surveillance on their property
- using after-market alarm systems
- utilizing a steering wheel lock
- parking in the garage if possible, or even placing an older model vehicle in front to protect their vehicles
Since September of this year, there have been 29 luxury vehicles thefts, mostly Toyota and Lexus SUVs, within the Ajax, Pickering and Whitby area.
If anyone has further information or video surveillance, they are encouraged to contact D/Cst. Gordon of the West Division Property Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2535.