Sask. Police Issue Warning Over Hidden GPS Trackers Placed on Vehicles

Saskatoon Police are warning the public of hidden GPS trackers on placed on vehicles. The device is usually covered in black tape and placed inside the fender. Saskatoon Police Service/ Handout

Saskatoon police have charged a 46-year-old man after GPS tracking devices were discovered hidden on a vehicle.

Police told The Epoch Times that 10 victims have been identified so far, while investigators believe there may be more devices planted and not yet found. Police have asked the public to report any tracking devices found hidden on vehicles. 

Marty Schira of Saskatoon is facing at least 36 charges, including two counts of harassment, two counts of intimidation, two counts of  mischief, and one count of fraudulent concealment. Police said further charges are expected.

An investigation was launched in September 2024 after a man reported having located two GPS trackers on his vehicle, Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) said in a release.

Police were able to identify the suspect, and find an address. A search warrant was executed at Schira’s apartment in Saskatoon, where officers found more tracking devices, according to police.

Police have not released a motive in the case.

Police say they have found a total of six tracking devices, which were typically wrapped in black tape, and placed inside the fender.

Police are asking anyone who finds a tracker on their vehicle not to remove or tamper with it. Instead, they advise that the vehicle and GPS device be brought to SPS headquarters and a report filed.

Schira is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon court on Feb. 5.

Previous Conviction

Schira has a criminal history and was convicted of the sexual assault and kidnapping of a Rosetown, Sask., woman in 2004, according to court records.

The victim, who cannot be named because of a court-ordered publication ban, was walking to her home in Rosetown when Schira pulled up and pointed a gun at her. He told her if she did not get in the back of his truck, he would kill her.

The woman was forced onto the floor of Schira’s truck and driven to his apartment in Calgary. She was sexually assaulted three times during the drive and was tied up and again assaulted at the suspect’s apartment, according to court documents.

The woman managed to get free when Schira was having a bath. She fled the apartment and flagged down a vehicle to take her to the police station.

Schira pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 14 years in jail. He was denied parole in 2012 and again in 2013.