Photo: CNW Group/CAA South Central Ontario
CAA South Central Ontario is warning drivers about a growing form of vehicle theft that combines distraction tactics with electronic tools capable of intercepting or relaying key fob signals.
In a release issued May 27, the organization said police services across Canada have reported an increase in so-called “distraction thefts” in parking lots, shopping centres and other busy public areas. CAA said thieves are increasingly approaching drivers near their vehicles while simultaneously using technology to capture or amplify key fob signals, allowing them to unlock or steal vehicles without physical force. “As a result, key fob-related auto theft is no longer limited to driveways or overnight incidents,” the organization said.
Dealers could see increased demand for anti-theft products and customer education as vehicle theft tactics evolve. Industry concerns around relay attacks and key-fob vulnerabilities continue to influence conversations about vehicle security, insurance costs and the value of dealer-installed protection systems such as immobilizers, tracking devices and steering wheel locks.
“Today vehicle thieves are becoming increasingly calculated, using distraction tactics alongside electronic tools designed to intercept or relay key fob signals,” said Elliott Silverstein, Director of Government Relations for CAA South Central Ontario, in a statement. “A brief interaction in a parking lot can quickly become an opportunity for organized criminals to target both drivers and their vehicles.”
CAA said some drivers may first notice something is wrong when they receive an alert that their vehicle key is missing. The organization is advising drivers to park in well-lit areas, avoid suspicious interactions near their vehicles and confirm vehicles are locked after exiting. It also recommends storing key fobs in RFID-blocking or Faraday pouches to reduce the risk of signal interception.
Other suggested precautions include using visible anti-theft devices, clearing personal information from vehicles and reporting suspicious behaviour to police.
CAA South Central Ontario represents more than 2.6 million members and said awareness remains one of the strongest tools drivers have to reduce the risk of auto theft.
