Auto Theft and Carjackings
Auto Theft Prevention
Across Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area, there has been a rise in thefts targeting vehicles from residential driveways at night. To create public awareness and share tips and resources, we have launched a #9PMRoutine campaign to help keep your vehicle safe.
Be a part of the #9PMRoutine!
Follow these tips to keep your vehicle from being stolen
- Park your vehicle in the garage, if possible. Remember to lock your garage door. If you have a second vehicle, park it directly behind targeted ones.
- Ensure your property is well lit.
- Do not leave running vehicles unattended. Ensure you always lock car doors and roll up your windows.
- Do not leave your keys by the front door; store them far away from your vehicle. Store keys in a FARADAY/RFID Blocking device when possible.
- Invest in security cameras for outside your home. Use theft preventative devices (steering wheel lock, an automatic engine shut-off, and/or a tracking device). Install aftermarket products like a GPS trackers, remote vehicle shut off devices and on-board data port locks to prevent thieves from cloning keys.
- Cover or block your vehicle identification number.
- Avoid storing valuables or packages in open sight in your vehicles (place them out of sight or in the trunk).
Did you know?
Most vehicle thefts happen in:
- Large remote parking lots
- Shopping malls
- GO train stations
- Movie theatres
- Airports
- Residential driveways and unlocked garages
Protect your car by watching our helpful videos
Carjackings
Basic tips to reduce the opportunity of a carjacking
- Where possible, park in well-lit areas and near building access doors.
- Ensure you practice good situational awareness and be aware of your surroundings of any suspicious persons and/or vehicles following you or near you.
- Reverse your vehicle into parking spaces, where it is safe to do so - this gives you a great view of your surroundings and a safer exit.
- Have your keys/fob ready in hand when attending your vehicle.
- Anytime you are in your vehicle whether you are driving, stopped or parked make sure your vehicle doors are locked.
- Leave plenty of space when driving.
- If involved in a motor vehicle collision be mindful of how many occupants are in the other vehicle and pull over in a safe place, with consideration of your surroundings. Some carjackers may initiate a collision to get you to exit your car.
- Consider equipping your vehicle with dash cams and GPS trackers.
- In the event you are a victim of a carjacking, ensure you comply with any demands and don’t fight. Remain calm, do not make any sudden movements and articulate your actions to the carjacker. Note as many physical descriptors of the suspects, including height, weight, gender, clothing, even speech/accents and other vehicles they may have arrived in. Contact Police as soon as possible and provide the last known direction of travel of the vehicle.
Follow Peel Crime Prevention Services on X @PRPCSWB and Peel Police @PeelPolice for future safety tips and information on future divisional information session opportunities.
