Police release video of suspects breaking into homes in search of key fobs
Posted September 28, 2023 1:41 pm.
Last Updated September 28, 2023 2:04 pm.
York Regional Police have released video surveillance as they search for a third suspect allegedly involved in residential break-and-enters targeting key fobs to commit auto thefts.
Investigators say four suspects were arrested in June 2023. At the time, two men — identified as 21-year-old Jackson Lake of Richmond Hill and 21-year-old Christian Nunez-Garcia of London, Ont. — were charged with break-enter and theft crimes believed to be motivation to steal car keys or key fobs from inside homes.
A third suspect remains wanted by police.
In a news release, investigators said the vehicles of interest are often left in driveways overnight. On two occasions, the suspects targeted cars with their side mirrors extended, indicating they were unlocked.
Surveillance footage from outside various homes shows the suspects at work. Police said once the perpetrators noticed that vehicles were unlocked, they would use the garage door opener to enter homes through the garage and obtain the key fobs.
Video shows the suspects gaining entry through unlocked rear doors of residences to retrieve keys.
Video surveillance shows suspects gaining access to a home to steal key fobs. Photo: York Regional Police.
“Police are reminding citizens to ensure [their] vehicles are always locked and windows are up, even if you leave your vehicle for a short time. Lock all doors to your home, including your inner garage door,” a spokesperson said.
“Stop by one of our York Regional Police district stations to pick up a free Faraday bag to store your key fob in.”
York Regional Police revealed an auto-theft prevention campaign on Tuesday, detailing which vehicles are most likely to be targeted by thieves and in what neighbourhoods.
The campaign’s data concluded that York Regional Police officers had seen an almost 50 per cent increase in vehicle thefts compared to this time last year, and compared to 2019, York Region is on pace for an increase of approximately 200 per cent.
