As Canada continues to battle a growing wave of auto thefts, one Montreal-based vehicle security expert believes he’s found the answer. Jerry Arnstein, a certified automotive locksmith and founder of CodeGuard, has developed a groundbreaking device that could become a new frontline defense against car thieves — even when they have the keys.
CodeGuard is a smart, hardware-based kill switch that requires drivers to enter a unique four-digit PIN — much like a bank card — before their vehicle will start. This extra layer of protection is designed to stop modern theft methods that bypass traditional alarms and immobilizers.
“Even if a thief has the key or key fob, they won’t be able to start your vehicle without the PIN,” explained Arnstein. “It protects against virtually every known theft technique.”
From “relay attacks” and key cloning to CAN bus hacks and reprogramming of on-board diagnostic ports, auto theft has become a sophisticated, multi-billion-dollar problem in Canada. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, 2023 marked the worst year on record, with vehicle thefts resulting in $1.5 billion in losses nationwide — two-thirds of that in Ontario alone.
Arnstein conceived the idea for CodeGuard during the COVID-19 pandemic, spurred by news reports of Canadian cars being stolen and exported overseas, particularly through the Port of Montreal. Since its launch, the technology has already been deployed in over a million vehicles overseas and is now gaining traction in Canada, with installations underway in major cities including those across the Greater Toronto Area.
Retailing at approximately $400 with installation, CodeGuard is not only effective but also accessible. The advanced version of the device is even more tamper-resistant, with a design that deters quick removal — a critical factor, as most car thieves aim to complete their theft in under 90 seconds.
Arnstein says while tracking devices like TAG help locate a car post-theft, and remote-based alarm systems can be compromised if the remote is stolen, CodeGuard acts preemptively — stopping the crime before the car moves an inch.
Inspired by security standards used in Israel — where PIN-based systems have become an insurance requirement — CodeGuard could soon set the bar for automotive security in North America.
For more information or to find a certified installer, visit www.codeguard.ca or call 514-422-0303.