The Ontario government has announced plans to introduce new legislation that would give police the authority to search for and seize electronic devices used in car thefts, a move aimed at tackling organized crime and the growing threat of violent auto-related incidents.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria unveiled the proposal Tuesday at a news conference in Brampton, outlining amendments to the Highway Traffic Act that would allow police to confiscate tools commonly used to steal vehicles—such as FOB reprogramming devices, scanning equipment, and smartphones with specialized theft-enabling apps.
“This is about giving our police the tools they need to stop organized criminals who have been targeting innocent families across Ontario,” Sarkaria said. “Every family in this province deserves peace of mind knowing their vehicles and their homes are safe.”
The legislation includes exemptions for licensed auto dealers, mechanics, and roadside assistance personnel who may use such tools for legitimate business purposes.
Those found using the devices unlawfully would face serious legal consequences under the proposed law. The announcement comes on the heels of a 16 per cent decline in auto thefts across Ontario in 2024, the result of several targeted crime-fighting initiatives.
Still, Sarkaria emphasized that further action is necessary. He confirmed that the province’s auto theft prosecution response team—launched in April 2024—will now become a permanent unit. The team focuses on high-theft regions such as Toronto, Ottawa, Brampton, London, Newmarket, Durham, and Windsor, and has supported more than 80 prosecutions and 20 major investigations involving over 1,700 stolen or targeted vehicles.
Zee Hamid, Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform, said the impact of car theft extends beyond financial loss. “Auto theft attacks safety and security and takes a drastic toll on emotional well-being,” Hamid said, stressing the psychological effects of having one’s vehicle stolen.
Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich also praised the proposed legislation. He noted that the region’s crackdown on keyless-entry thefts has already seen encouraging results—with auto thefts down 14 per cent in 2024 and a sharp 45 per cent drop in the first quarter of 2025. The reduction is estimated to have saved nearly $60 million in stolen vehicles.
Milinovich called the new initiative “another step forward” in disrupting organized crime and protecting communities across Ontario.