Increasing insecurity of the beloved car right outside the door? The Ontario government is finally ready to take new measures!

In response to the growing prevalence of high-tech car theft, Ontario is preparing to amend the Highway Traffic Act to grant police more power to search and seize electronic devices used for car theft on the spot.

Once this proposal is passed, police will be authorized to search and confiscate potential "high-tech" tools used for car theft during roadside stops, including remote key signal amplifiers, scanners, programming devices, and even certain smartphone applications.

"Electronic Car Theft" on the Rise, Police Struggling to Cope

In recent years, Ontario police have expressed serious concern about a rising trend in "electronic car theft." This type of crime usually does not require violent vehicle damage but instead uses technical means to crack the car's remote key system and quietly drive away with the vehicle.

A common method involves thieves using a "signal relay" to receive the wireless signal from the house and amplify it outside, making the car "believe" that the key is nearby, thus unlocking and starting automatically.

"We must block these technical loopholes," said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria in a press release. "By combating these illegal devices, we are not only fighting crime but also providing police with critical tools to prevent crime, making communities safer."

Amending Provincial Law to Grant Police More Arresting Authority

Since criminal law falls under federal jurisdiction, Ontario cannot directly legislate to impose criminal penalties on such behaviors. However, Ontario has the authority to interpret the Highway Traffic Act, allowing it to strengthen enforcement at the provincial level.

The new bill to be submitted will clearly empower police to search for electronic theft devices during traffic stops. Upon discovering illegal devices, police can immediately confiscate them without waiting for the vehicle to be stolen before investigating.

"This new measure will help police detect potential car theft earlier and effectively curb such crimes," said Zee Hamid, Deputy Minister responsible for combating car theft and bail reform in Ontario.

No Impact on Legal Use, Exemptions for Repair Shops

To avoid harming legitimate industries, the government stated that relevant bills will also exempt auto dealers, repair personnel, and road rescue workers who hold these devices. They will continue to use these tools within their legal scope of work.

Parking Outside the Door No Longer 'Naked'? New Laws May Be a Key Step

For ordinary residents, this bill is significant. In recent years, high-tech car theft cases have been frequent in the Greater Toronto Area and across all of Ontario, with many residents personally experiencing or hearing about the tragedy of cars being stolen overnight.

Although many people have started using key signal-blocking bags and additional locks, thieves' methods keep upgrading, still leaving people vulnerable.

If this law is passed, it means that police will not have to wait until vehicles are stolen to start investigations but can proactively strike at the source of crime when initial suspicions arise.

Source of News:

https://globalnews.ca/news/11153866/ontario-seize-fob-hacking-tools-auto-theft-crackdown/

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7499289939020890663/

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