The Ontario government announced plans Tuesday to introduce new legislation that would empower police to search for and seize electronic devices used in auto thefts, as part of a broader effort to combat organized crime and violent carjackings across the province.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said at a news conference in Brampton that the new legislation will amend the Highway Traffic Act, allowing authorities to confiscate FOB programming devices, scanners, and smartphones equipped with apps capable of stealing vehicles. The law would provide exemptions for licensed auto dealers, repair shops, and roadside assistance personnel using such devices for legitimate purposes.
“For far too long, organized criminals have been wreaking havoc across our province, targeting innocent vehicle owners,” Sarkaria said. “Every family in this province deserves peace of mind knowing their homes and their vehicles are safe.”
Sarkaria emphasized that individuals caught using these devices illegally would face serious legal consequences. The Ford government’s push comes as Ontario reports a 16 per cent decrease in auto thefts in 2024 compared to the previous year, following several crime-fighting initiatives.
Despite this progress, Sarkaria noted that more work remains. The government will also make its auto theft prosecution response team permanent, focusing on “hot spot” regions including Toronto, Ottawa, London, Brampton, Newmarket, Durham, and Windsor. Since its launch in April 2024, the team has assisted with over 80 prosecutions and advised on more than 20 major investigations involving 1,700 stolen or targeted vehicles.
Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform Zee Hamid highlighted that auto theft is more than just a financial loss—it deeply affects people’s sense of safety and emotional wellbeing. “Auto theft attacks safety and security and takes a drastic toll on emotional well-being,” he said.
Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich praised the proposed legislation, noting that efforts to combat keyless-entry device thefts have already yielded success. Peel Region saw a 14 per cent drop in auto thefts in 2024, and a dramatic 45 per cent decline in the first quarter of 2025, equating to roughly $60 million worth of vehicles not stolen.
Milinovich called the move “another step forward” in dismantling organized crime networks and protecting communities across Ontario.
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