Waterloo Regional Police responded to 12 reports of vehicle thefts and attempted vehicle thefts in Waterloo Region.

Between April 18 to April 22, 2025, police received multiple reports of eight vehicle thefts and four attempted thefts within the region. These incidents involved an organized group utilizing various reprogramming techniques.

From the reports, all of the vehicles targeted were Toyota trucks, SUV’s, and Lexus SUV’s.

On April 19, 2025, Waterloo Regional Police 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.

The investigations are ongoing by WRPS’ Break, Enter, and Vehicle Theft Team. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 8255. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submitted online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com. 

How Does Reprogramming Vehicle Theft Work?

The suspects will approach the vehicle and force entry 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.

Protecting Your Vehicle from Reprogramming Theft

Help make your vehicle more secure with the following prevention tips: 

• Park your vehicle inside a locked and secure garage, or block your vehicle in with another vehicle.
• Block the access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprogramming the vehicle’s key fob (a simple device can be purchased online).
• Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft.
• Equip your vehicle with an aftermarket Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker. GPS systems that come standard with some vehicles are frequently disabled by suspects, rendering them ineffective. The after-market tracker may assist police in locating the vehicle and/or suspects.
• Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle or unattended.
• Lock your vehicle at all times.
• Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
• Consider purchasing a surveillance system and ensure the quality and function will capture any suspicious activity for 24 hours.      

If you observe suspicious people in your neighbourhood who are looking into vehicles, we encourage you to call police immediately. This will assist investigators in tracking patterns of criminal behaviour and potentially identifying suspects.

A crime in progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1. Any non-emergency incidents can be reported by calling 519-570-9777.