If you think auto theft only happens overnight in your driveway, CAA says it’s time to think again.
The organization is warning Canadian drivers about a growing trend where thieves target vehicles in busy parking lots using a combination of distraction tactics and sophisticated electronic technology.
According to CAA, a theft may begin with what appears to be an innocent interaction. Someone might ask for directions, offer assistance or otherwise try to distract a driver while an accomplice attempts to gain access to the vehicle or intercept the signal from a nearby key fob.
Many modern vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems can also be vulnerable to relay attacks, where thieves use electronic devices to capture or amplify a key fob’s wireless signal, allowing them to unlock and start a vehicle without ever handling the keys.
CAA says drivers can reduce their risk by parking in well-lit, high-traffic areas, locking vehicles immediately after exiting and confirming they’re actually locked. The organization also recommends storing key fobs in RFID-blocking or Faraday pouches, keeping them on your person instead of in shopping carts or unattended bags, and being cautious if approached by strangers near your vehicle.
Other tips include removing documents that contain your home address, deleting saved home addresses from in-vehicle GPS systems where possible and considering visible anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks or aftermarket immobilizers.
CAA cites the Équité Association’s 2025 Auto Theft Trend Report, which found nearly 50,000 vehicles were stolen across Canada in 2025. While that marked a slight decline from previous years, CAA says thieves continue to adapt their methods, making public awareness one of the best defences against vehicle theft.
Written by Joseph Goden
