A notable case featured by Radio-Canada (French only) highlighted a sophisticated and increasingly common tactic used by organized crime rings: using small tracking devices to stalk and steal high-end vehicles. As more is being done to prevent auto theft, car thieves are evolving to find new ways to victimize car owners and communities.

How the Tactic Works

Car thieves frequent busy public areas like shopping malls or hotel parking lots. Once they spot a target vehicle, they discreetly hide a small GPS or Bluetooth tracking device in a hard-to-see spot.

Common hiding places include:

• Behind the license plate
• Sideview mirror
• Inside the gas cap door
• Tucked into the wheel well or bumper
• Inside a trailer hitch

The thieves monitor the vehicle's location via an app and wait until the car is parked in a quiet residential driveway overnight. They can then perform a coordinated theft away from the security cameras and witnesses of a public parking lot.

The Link to Organized Crime

Vehicle theft and insurance fraud are not victimless; they directly fund drug and gun trafficking, and international terrorism.

Often, these organized crime groups have scouts that will search for vehicles and place one of these tracking devices on the vehicle to allow them to follow it to a better location. They will wait for an opportune time to steal the vehicle.

Awareness & Safety Tips for Drivers

Knowledge is your best defense. Here is how you can help protect yourself and your vehicle:

1. Listen to Your Phone: There are apps available to download that will scan to detect if an unknown tracker is in your area. If you use an iPhone and an unknown AirTag is moving with you, your phone will eventually send an alert: "AirTag Found Moving With You."
2. Perform Physical Checks: Make it a habit to do a quick walk-around of your vehicle before leaving a public parking lot. Check obvious hiding spots like the wheel wells and license plates.
3. Secure Your Perimeter: If you suspect you are being tracked, do not drive directly home. Drive to a well-lit public area or a police station.
4. Park in a Garage: Whenever possible, park your vehicle inside a locked garage. If you must park in a driveway, use motion-sensor lights and high-quality security cameras.
5. Use Secondary Deterrents: Visible deterrents like steering wheel locks (e.g. "The Club") or installing an aftermarket immobilizer/kill switch can frustrate thieves enough to make them move on to an easier target.

If you find a tracking device on your car: Do not dispose of it immediately. Contact local law enforcement. The device may contain digital footprints that can help police track down the criminal organization behind the attempt.

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