Ontario Seeks to Crack Down on Auto Theft by Allowing Police to Seize Fob Hacking Tools

Peel Regional Police vehicles are seen on a street in Brampton, Ont., on Nov. 7, 2019. The Canadian Press/Cole Burston

Ontario is introducing legislation that would give law enforcement the authority to stop and search vehicles for auto theft devices, including fob hacking tools.

The provincial government made the announcement on April 29, saying it was part of a series of changes to tackle the high volume of car thefts in the province.

In 2024, Interpol put Canada on its list of top targets for auto theft.

The new legislation will amend the Highway Traffic Act to give police authority to search for and seize keyless entry devices used for auto theft, according to the province.

Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria said Ontario residents deserve “peace of mind” in knowing their homes and vehicles are safe.

“By cracking down on these illegal devices, we’re disrupting criminal activity and giving police the tools they need to stop thefts before they happen, helping keep our communities safe for everyone,” Sarkaria said.

The legislation would let police search for and seize devices suspected of being used to steal vehicles, the Ontario government said. It includes key fob programming devices, fob scanners, and some smartphone applications.

The province said it is also permanently establishing a dedicated Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team to focus on specific communities, including Ottawa, Toronto, Brampton, Newmarket, Durham, London and Windsor, according to the government announcement.

The team will provide legal advice and support to police, something the government said will help dismantle organized crime networks and reducing carjackings and home invasions.

The legislation will allow the lawful use of devices by auto dealers, repair services, and roadside assistance personnel, the government said.

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said the legislation is welcome.

“Through targeted enforcement and strong partnerships, we’ve made significant progress in Peel — recovering nearly half of all stolen vehicles in 2025 alone, laying hundreds of charges, and seeing a 45 per cent reduction in auto theft compared to the same time last year,” he said.

Luxury Vehicles Stolen, Exported

The government announcement comes just days after Peel Regional Police arrested and charged one of two men wanted for the theft of two luxury vehicles worth nearly $750,000.

Police say on Nov. 2, 2023, two men broke into a Brampton area business where luxury vehicles wee rented out.

The pair is accused of taking several vehicle keys and two luxury vehicles: a 2022 GMC SUV and a 2022 Rolls Royce.

“Following a lengthy and complex investigation, it has been determined that the stolen vehicles were exported to foreign markets,” Peel Regional Police said in an April 26 news release.

Police said they arrested a 29-year-old Brampton man and charged him with break and enter with intent and two charges of theft of a motor vehicle.

They are still looking for the second suspect, Nikhil Sidhu, 26. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.