Free anti-car theft devices available for Niagara residents

With car thefts on the rise across Ontario, police in the Niagara region are offering a limited supply of anti-theft devices to local residents.

Today, Niagara police announced that free Faraday Bags are still available at district front desks. While the supplies last, Niagara-area residents can pick up two bags per household.

A Faraday bag is a specialized enclosure made of conductive material designed to block electromagnetic fields. Police say Faraday bags are typically made from materials such as metalized fabric or fine wire mesh that can block radio frequency signals, including those used for communication and tracking.

Police say these bags can help prevent relay thefts, which occur when thieves use a device to capture and amplify the signal from a car’s key fob, even if it is inside a house. This amplified signal is then relayed to a second device near the car, tricking the vehicle into thinking the key is nearby. As a result, the car unlocks and starts, allowing the thieves to drive away without physically possessing the key.

In a news release, police also offered other tips to prevent car thefts, saying that auto theft incidents rose about 90 per cent between 2018 and 2022.

Beyond Faraday bags, police also recommend using anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, car alarms, and immobilizers, which can deter thieves and make it more difficult for them to steal a vehicle. Police are also advising people to be cautious with remote starters, as thieves can more easily steal idling cars, and install GPS tracking devices that can help locate a vehicle if it’s stolen.

Police also recommend that drivers do not leave their keys in plain sight, hide spare keys in a secure place, and install locking wheel nuts.

Other tips include always locking your vehicle (even if you’re just stepping away for a short time), keeping your windows closed, keeping valuables such as wallets, electronics or purses out of plain sight, parking in well-lit areas and securing your garage by keeping it closed and locked and installing motion-sensing lights or security cameras.

“It takes a professional thief less than 30 seconds to steal a vehicle.  Keep this advice in mind when parking, or leaving your car unattended,” police said in a news release.

Police also urge drivers to be on the lookout for possible scams. A thief might pose as a parking or valet attendant or even a professional who can do repair or other maintenance work on your car.

If your car is stolen, report the theft to police and give a detailed description of the vehicle and what’s in it.