“Recall vehicles that are most susceptible to be stolen because of faulty technology,” Says Mayor Brown

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown is calling on Federal Transportation Minister Omar Algabra to exercise his authority under section 10.5 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act to order a recall of vehicles that are most susceptible to be stolen because of faulty technology. Most of these vehicles operate with keyless ignitions and locks.

“The surge in auto thefts in the City of Brampton and cites all across Canada
is occurring in large part because car makers have created technology that can be easily hacked”, said Brown in advance of a press conference being held at Brampton City Hall.

The hacking process, called a “relay attack”, has been documented all across Canada. Thieves use the radio frequency from car keys inside your home to trick your car into opening and starting. Thieves often steal cars with ease while victims are asleep in their home.

“In the old days thieves would hot wire a car. The federal government mandated immobilizers and these dropped dramatically. But the thieves created a work around and now they steal your radio signal before they steal your car, and car thefts have skyrocketed since 2019”

It is estimated that there are 5 million vehicles in Canada with keyless entry and ignition and are most susceptible to a relay attack. “Not all may need to be recalled but at least the top ten stolen vehicles should be,” said Brown. “You go to bed as a proud car owner and you wake up as a victim all because car makers won’t give you a $6 item to protect your $60,000 car”, added Brown who thinks every car owner should be given faraday pouches and or offered updated key technology.

“Relay attacks can be prevented and remedied with simple fixes. But car companies have refused to voluntarily recall their cars. It’s time for the federal government to step in and say enough is enough. “The minister has that authority under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. “The Insurance Bureau of Canada says auto theft costs Canadians more than $1 billion annually.

In Brampton we know that this results in higher car insurance premiums.” “Something has to be done. I am hoping our call to action will inspire other mayors and city councils across Canada to join us in demanding action from the federal government and car makers. This is an urgent and growing safety issue,” said Brown.

Residents can join Mayor Brown by signing an online petition on at www.StopCartheftNow.com