As the auto theft crisis improves, but continues, the Waterloo Regional Police said they responded to 12 reports of vehicle thefts and attempted vehicle thefts last week in the Waterloo Region, arresting two men in the process.
An update on their website reveals the police received multiple reports of eight vehicle thefts and four attempted thefts within the region between April 18 and 22. The incidents involved an organized group using several reprogramming techniques.
An example of a reprogramming technique is when a suspect approaches a vehicle and forces entry to get inside. “Once inside the vehicle, an electronic device is used to access the vehicle’s diagnostics. The suspects then reprogram a blank key fob so the vehicle can be started.”
The vehicles that were targeted were Toyota trucks, SUVs, and Lexus SUVs. The Waterloo Regional Police said they charged a 25-year-old male and a 26-year-old male from Quebec with multiple criminal charges.
“The males were located out of the region by the Ontario Provincial Police near Napanee, Ontario. Investigators determined the two males were responsible for two theft occurrences,” said the update.
The police also said the investigations are ongoing by WRPS’ Break, Enter, and Vehicle Theft Team.
