In recent years, car thieves have begun reprogramming electronic car key fobs, making it rather easy to steal brand-new vehicles and high-end luxury cars, which are commonly equipped with keyless entry and start.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police recently busted up a car theft ring that was using this exact technique to lift cars and SUVs, including high-priced vehicles like a Mercedes-AMG GT, Bentley Continental GT, and a Range Rover.
The months-long investigation began when Peel Regional Police discovered $620,000 worth of "high-end vehicles" that were being stored in an industrial park in Mississauga. The vehicles were allegedly being prepped to be shipped overseas, where import tariffs on luxury goods help fuel a thriving black market for high-priced cars and SUVs.
The investigation resulted in a total of $2.2M worth of vehicles being recovered and led to the arrest of five suspects ranging in age from 23 to 42. Police say they are facing a raft of charges related to identity fraud, identity theft, possession of stolen property, and the trafficking stolen property.
"This has been a lengthy investigation, but when you hear the numbers, in some cases 20 cars stolen a week, it shocks you," Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said in a prepared statement. "The fact that the police were so diligent in going after this investigation, using the techniques they have, is a big relief for Peel Region, a big relief for the City of Brampton."
So, if you're in the market for a luxury vehicle or sports car and are keen to get a good deal, you may want to see if Peel Regional Police have any auctions coming up. Something tells us they'll have an influx of them shortly...
Source: CBC
