Apple tracking devices being used in thefts of high-end cars in York Region: police
Police in York Region say they have discovered a new way in which thieves are using Apple technology to track and eventually steal high-end cars in the area.
In a news release issued Thursday, investigators said they have identified at least five incidents since September where suspects have placed Apple AirTags in “out-of-sight” areas of the vehicles when they are parked in public spaces like malls and parking lots.
Thieves then use the AirTags, a small circular device that can be tracked via the “Find My” app, to locate the vehicle at the victim’s residence.
After the vehicle is located, police said that thieves will use tools like screwdrivers to gain entry through the passenger or driver side door. Once inside, an electronic device that police say is typically used by mechanics to reset a vehicle to factory settings, is connected to the onboard diagnostics port below the dashboard of the car.
From there, the vehicle is programed to accept a key the suspects have brought with them that can then be used to start the car and drive away.
According to York Regional Police, various methods of theft have been used to steal some 2,000 vehicles in the area over the past year.
At the same time, police said that its auto/cargo theft unit has remained “active and aggressive” in combatting the issue. At least 100 people have been arrested, “significant” charges have been laid, and roughly 350 vehicles have been returned to their rightful owners in the past year as a result of investigative efforts, police said.
“Despite this success, thieves are constantly developing new methods to facilitate these thefts [and] the number of vehicle thefts continues to rise,” police said.
As a result, police have offered up a number of tips to keep your vehicle safe, including:
- If you own an iPhone, you may receive a notification that an AirTag is nearby
- If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage as most vehicles are stolen from a driveway
- Use a steering wheel lock, which will also work as a visual deterrent
- Install a lock on your car’s data port. Police said the simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the vehicle’s computer port
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
These snakes not only fake their own deaths, they use gory special effects to do it
Awards season may be over for human actors this year, but there’s no rest for some of nature’s most audacious thespians.