Ontario is taking strong action to stop car thieves with new proposed laws announced on May 1, 2025. The province wants to change the Highway Traffic Act to let police search for and seize devices used to steal cars, like key fob programmers and smartphone apps that unlock vehicles. These changes will help keep keyless entry tools away from criminals and make communities safer.

Even though car theft dropped by 16% in 2024 thanks to police and government efforts, thieves are using advanced technology to target vehicles. The new law, if passed, will give police the power to take away these illegal devices, stopping thefts before they happen. “Every family deserves to feel safe,” said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria. “This will help police stop criminals and protect our neighborhoods.”

Ontario is also creating a permanent Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team to fight car theft in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Windsor. This team will work with police to catch thieves, break up organized crime, and tackle carjackings and home invasions. These steps aim to keep Ontario’s streets safe and hold criminals accountable.