The new theft trend affecting your auto clients

Auto thieves are now using a hybrid approach of mixing distraction tactics and high-tech tools to target drivers, CAA warns.

“What’s new here is that criminals are not just targeting vehicles; they are engaging drivers directly while using technology to intercept key fob signals,” CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) says.

Police services across Canada have recently warned of an increase in ‘distraction thefts’ occurring in parking lots, shopping centres, and other busy areas.

“At the same time, thieves are continuing to use relay attacks and key-fob signal-interception technology to unlock and steal vehicles without physical force,” CAA SCO says in a press release Wednesday. “CAA cautions that these tactics are now being used together, creating new risks for drivers.”

This emerging method involves criminals engaging drivers in brief interactions near their vehicle while simultaneously using electronic devices to capture or amplify key fob signals, CAA SCO reports. As a result, fob-related auto theft is no longer limited to driveways or overnight incidents.

Close physical proximity between drivers, their key fobs, and their vehicles can be exploited.

“These thefts can occur quickly and subtly, often without the driver immediately realizing anything has happened,” the release says. “In some cases, drivers may later notice an alert that their vehicle key is missing.

“This is an early sign that something is wrong.”

Elliott Silverstein, director of government relations for CAA SCO, notes today’s vehicle thieves are becoming increasingly calculated by using distraction tactics alongside electronic tools to intercept or relay key fob signals.

“A brief interaction in a parking lot can quickly become an opportunity for organized criminals to target both drivers and their vehicles,” he says. “Public awareness and simple preventative measures remain some of the strongest tools drivers have to protect themselves.”

CAA points to the following measures to help drivers reduce their vulnerability to auto theft:

• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas
• Be cautious of unsolicited interactions near your vehicle, including persistent or unusual requests for help, offers of gifts or incentives, and requests that require you to stay near your vehicle or move closer to another vehicle
• Trust your instincts — if something feels suspicious, disengage and move to a safer area
• Lock your vehicle immediately after exiting and confirm it is secure
• Store key fobs in RFID-blocking or Faraday pouches to prevent signal interception
• Keep key fobs on your person; avoid leaving them in carts, purses or exposed areas
• Consider visible anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks or two-factor authentication such as after-market engine immobilizers
• Remove personal information from vehicles and clear saved home addresses in GPS systems
• Report suspicious behaviour to local police.

CAA emphasizes that as auto theft tactics evolve, awareness and vigilance are essential to reduce risk. “Drivers are encouraged to remain mindful of their surroundings, particularly in public spaces, and to take simple precautions that can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a target of auto theft.”

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Auto theft trends are different across the country. Insurance Bureau of Canada reported April 30 that from 2024 to 2026, the number of auto theft claims dropped by 24% across Canada. At the same time, the value of theft claims decreased by 30%.

In British Columbia, an analysis of 10-year data from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) found auto crime dropped 31%. Most dramatically, vehicle break-ins have fallen by 60% since 2016, including a noticeable drop starting in 2023. Stolen vehicle incidents have decreased 46% since 2016, while vandalism claims have remained relatively stable.

But in Ontario, Toronto racked up $114.5 million in auto theft claims costs in 2025, a 253% increase from IBC’s 2017 report. Brampton’s $43.2 million in claims costs was 565% higher than the claims seen in 2017, while Mississauga posted $31.5 million in claims costs, 216% greater than in 2017.

Jason Contant

Jason has been an award-winning journalist with Canadian Underwriter for more than a decade, including the past three years as associate editor and, before that, as digital editor for seven years.