Police given new powers to combat car thefts in Ontario [Video]

Police in Ontario will be given new powers to search for and seize electronic devices that help thieves steal cars.

Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria announced the new measures today (April 29), saying the legislation will be introduced by the provincial government in a move designed to give police more tools to stop car thefts before they happen.

Although car thefts are down across the province, Sarkaria said more work needs to be done. He said criminals are increasingly using keyless entry technology to steal vehicles from unsuspecting victims.

If passed, the new legislation would allow police to search for and seize items that are suspected of being used to access and steal a vehicle, such as key fob programming devices, fob scanners and some smartphone applications,” said Sarkaria, who represents the riding of Brampton South.

The legislation could target key fob programming devices, fob scanners, and some smartphone applications. …