Ottawa police warning about vehicle thefts using signal amplification

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is warning residents about vehicle thefts targeting vehicles featuring keyless entry systems.

The OPS says it recently noticed a Toronto Police Service public advisory about a number of overnight vehicle thefts from driveways, where thieves were using signal amplification devices.  

It's believed that thieves stand near the front door of a home, holding a device that captures the signal emitted from a keyless FOB. The device amplifies the signal range of the FOB so that a second person, standing near the vehicle, can receive the signal from the device, unlock and start the vehicle.

OPS investigators have not yet seen the use of signal amplifiers in Ottawa, but is advising that residents take precautions to combat potential attempts to steal their vehicles in the future.

Officers say a simple line of defence is to keep any vehicle with a proximity key FOB inside a radio frequency shield (RFS), commonly known as “faraday pouch.” This will prevent the key's signal from being amplified to the vehicle from inside the house, protecting it from being driven away. 

More proactive tips:

• Consider using anti-theft devices such as car alarms, steering wheel locking devices such as “The Club,” and electronic immobilizer devices.
• GPS tracking units have become increasingly popular and some allow the vehicle owner to electronically “fence-in” their vehicle whereby an alarm cue would occur if the vehicle were to leave the fenced-in area without authorization.
• If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage and or block it in tightly with a second vehicle.
• Putting security lighting and video surveillance cameras on your home may discourage thieves.
• Do not leave the vehicle running while unattended.
• If you are selling your vehicle, be wary not to let anyone have access to your car keys or your vehicle out of your sight. This prevents a thief from copying your key during a 'test drive' so they can return later to steal it.
• Finally, good old-fashioned neighbourhood watch. If you see something suspicious, do not engage the suspected thieves, call 911.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.