Three men facing charges after several reprogramming thefts

Waterloo Regional Police have charged three men from Brampton after they stole several cars using reprogramming equipment.

On Wednesday around 5:10 a.m., a Toyota Tundra was stolen from a driveway in the Randall Road and Winston Boulevard area of Cambridge.

Police found the car and a stolen Jaguar F-Pace shortly after on Side Road 12 North near Concession Road 4 in Puslinch.

The suspects tried to flee first in the Jaguar and then by foot. Police were able to catch up to the suspects and arrested them.

Reprogramming equipment, break-in tools and Canadian currency were all seized from the men.

The three 22-year-olds were charged with numerous offences including seven counts of vehicle theft, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and possession of break-in instruments.

Police say that reprogramming thefts have become more prevalent in the region and Ontario since 2021. Some of the most common cars that are stolen using reprogramming equipment are Toyota Tundras, Toyota Highlanders, Jeep Wranglers, and Ram pickup trucks.

Drivers are being reminded to block access to the onboard diagnostic port so that no one can reprogram their vehicle’s key fob.

Police are continuing to investigate as they believe the men who were arrested may have been involved in other thefts across Ontario.