Car theft isn’t isolated to just your driveway overnight.

CAA South Central Ontario is warning drivers of a new distraction auto theft tactic that will use your friendliness against you.

The organization cites Canadian police services warning of more distraction thefts happening in places such as parking lots, shopping centres and other busy areas.

This emerging auto theft tactic involves car thieves starting brief conversations with people near their vehicles.

At the same time, these criminals will use electronic devices to capture or amplify key fob signals.

Close physical proximity between drivers, their key fobs, and their vehicles can be exploited, CAA said.

The thefts are often subtle and quick. Drivers often don’t realize anything has happened.

In some cases, CAA said drivers may later notice a vehicle alert that their vehicle key is missing – this is an early sign something is wrong.

Tips for vehicle owners

CAA SCO offers advice for drivers to protect themselves from a potential distraction car theft.

CAA’s tips include:

• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
• Be cautious of unsolicited interactions near your vehicle, including: persistent or unusual requests for help, offers of gifts or incentives, or requests that require you to stay near your vehicle or move closer to another vehicle.
• Trust your instincts – if something feels suspicious, disengage and move to a safer area.
• Lock your vehicle immediately after exiting and confirm it is secure.
• Store key fobs in RFID-blocking or Faraday pouches to prevent signal interception.
• Keep key fobs with you; avoid leaving them in carts, purses, or exposed areas.
• Consider visible anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks or two-factor authentication such as after-market engine immobilizers.
• Remove personal information from vehicles and clear saved home addresses in GPS systems.
• Report suspicious behaviour to local police.

“Today vehicle thieves are becoming increasingly calculated, using distraction tactics alongside electronic tools designed to intercept or relay key fob signals,” said Elliott Silverstein, director, government relations, CAA SCO, in a news release.

“A brief interaction in a parking lot can quickly become an opportunity for organized criminals to target both drivers and their vehicles. Public awareness and simple preventative measures remain some of the strongest tools drivers have to protect themselves.”

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