Unique tracking system is helping police recover stolen vehicles across GTA
A unique company specializing in tracking vehicles is partnering with car dealerships to hide special devices to prevent thieves from shipping stolen vehicles overseas.
Michael Berger and his company Tag helped police find over 50 stolen vehicles in Ontario and Quebec, all equipped with trackers thieves can't seem to crack.
The technology recently led police in Mississauga to a truck loaded with two stolen vehicles inside its container.
"They picked up the truck going northbound on the 427," Berger said.
A stolen black Range Rover was recovered from the back of a transport truck container on Highway 427. (Courtesy: Michael Berger)
And thieves aren't just stealing vehicles from driveways and parking lots.
"There are quite a few dealerships across the GTA that are having vehicles stolen right off their lot," he noted.
RELATED
- Licence plates recovered from vehicle stolen during private sale in Barrie
- Multiple truck thefts reported in Barrie in one night
- Barrie man upset truck was stolen as police confirm spike in vehicle thefts
- Vehicle thieves use radio signal to override key fobs
NewRoads Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram general manager Todd Shivers said three vehicles had been stolen from the Newmarket dealership in the past two months.
"A Grand Cherokee, a used Range Rover and a brand new Ram TRX."
Shivers said the thieves booked an appointment, drove up in a black Range Rover with Manitoba plates and then took off with the white Range Rover.
Dealership surveillance video. (Supplied)
York Regional Police report a 43 per cent spike this year in vehicle thefts; since 2019, the service reports carjackings across the GTA have more than doubled.
"Transported overseas mostly to North Africa," said Const. Maniva Armstrong. "What we're seeing right now is the value in these vehicles. It's high-end vehicles."
The Newmarket dealership is now installing Tag systems in its vehicles to protect the business and its customers.
"At $999 per vehicle, it's going to protect the consumer for sure," Shivers noted.
Meanwhile, York Regional Police is leading a task force with the OPP and Toronto police to prevent drivers and car dealerships from becoming victimized.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
'There are kids … who'd rather be dead than gay,' says former NFL star Carl Nassib who was first active player to publicly identify sexuality
Carl Nassib knows the power of opening up. In 2021, Nassib – then playing for the Las Vegas Raiders – became the first active NFL player in league history to publicly identify as gay.