Relay & Reprogramming Auto-Theft Awareness Reminder
December 10, 2024
The Brantford Police Service are issuing an auto theft awareness reminder to the public regarding a vehicle theft trend previously reported in the City of Brantford. This trend, while only one method utilized by criminals to steal vehicles, is known as "Relay and Reprogramming” technology. In an effort to increase awareness to help make vehicles more secure and less attractive to thieves, we are issuing a reminder.
Reports indicate that the vehicles targeted by relay and reprogramming technology are newer model, high-end vehicles with keyless entry and push start technology. The thefts typically occur in the overnight hours.
While not all motor vehicle thefts occur using this technology, by increasing awareness, it is the goal of BPS to reduce vehicle thefts. In 2023, 341 vehicles were reported as stolen to the Brantford Police Service. 352 vehicles have been reported stolen to date in 2024.
How does relay vehicle theft work?
The suspect will approach a residence and use technology to find a key fob signal from inside a residence. The technology allows the suspects to remain outside the residence to amplify and transfer the key fob signal in order to unlock, start and steal the vehicle. The theft of the vehicle will typically be undetected until the morning when the owner discovers their vehicle has been stolen and they are still in possession of their key fob.
How does reprogramming vehicle theft work?
The suspects will approach the vehicle and force entry inside. Once inside the vehicle an electronic device is used to access the vehicles diagnostics. The suspects then reprogram a blank key fob so the vehicle can be started and steal the vehicle.
How to protect your vehicle from theft?
- Park your vehicle inside a locked and secure garage.
- Block the access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprograming the vehicle’s key fob. (A simple device can be purchased online).
- Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft.
- Place the vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals when not in use. Inside your residence and in a purse or pocket.
- Consider equipping your vehicle with an aftermarket global positioning system (GPS) tracker. The tracker may assist police in locating the vehicle and/or suspects.
- Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle or unattended.
- Lock your vehicle at all times.
- Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
- Consider purchasing a surveillance system and ensure the quality and function will capture any suspicious activity for a 24-hour period.
If you observe suspicious people in your neighborhood, looking into vehicles, we encourage you to report this to police immediately. Doing so will assist investigators to track patterns of criminal behavior and potentially identify suspects.
A crime in-progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1. Any non-emergency incidents can be reported on-line at Brantfordpolice.ca or by calling 519-756-7050.
Additionally, information can be provided anonymously to Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
BPS officers arrest two young offenders after stabbing incident
Incident 24- 52107
UPDATE: BPS officers arrest two young offenders after stabbing incident
As an update to the media release issued December 8, 2024, regarding the arrest of two young offenders after a stabbing incident, additional information is being provided in relation to the incident.
Upon arrival of police to the scene of the incident, one of the first officers to attend recognized the severity and extent of the injuries sustained by the victim and promptly applied life-saving measures.
The victim was then transported to hospital for treatment of serious and perceived, life-threatening injuries.
The victim is now in stable condition.
Front-line officers with the Brantford Police Service have received enhanced first aid training which is designed to equip them with the skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies, potentially saving lives and providing critical care until professional medical help arrives.
ORIGINAL RELEASE: December 8, 2024
At approximately 11:55 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2024, officers were dispatched to attend a report of an altercation at a Market Street South address. Officers attended and located a male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds.
The victim was transported to hospital for treatment of serious and perceived, life-threatening injuries.
A knife was seized by police at the scene.
Two young offenders; a 16-year-old male and a 16-year-old female, both from Brantford, were arrested at the scene and each charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Assault with a weapon
- Aggravated assault
- Mischief under $5,000
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
The accused were held for a bail hearing.
Anyone with any knowledge or media of the incident are asked to please contact Detective Jet Khagura of the Brantford Police Service - Major Crimes Unit at 519-756-7050 ext. 2919. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
BPS arrest 39-year-old female, officer assaulted
24-51489
UPDATE: BPS arrest
39-year-old female, officer assaulted
As an update to the media release issued December 4, 2024, regarding the arrest of a 39-year-old female who assaulted a Brantford police officer, additional information is being provided in relation to the assault and charges laid.
The call from a concerned citizen was received at approximately 2:10 p.m. December 3, 2024.
During the arrest, the suspect was observed ingesting a foreign substance believed to be fentanyl. The officer intervened, potentially saving the suspect’s life by attempting to remove the suspected drugs from the suspect’s mouth. The officer was then bitten by the suspect and exposed to suspected fentanyl. At this time, the officer began to exhibit signs of fentanyl exposure and was transported to hospital for treatment. The officer has recovered from the physical injuries sustained as a result of the incident.
The related charges have been amended as follows:
As an update to the media release issued December 4, 2024, regarding the arrest of a 39-year-old female who assaulted a Brantford police officer, additional information is being provided in relation to the assault and charges laid.
The call from a concerned citizen was received at approximately 2:10 p.m. December 3, 2024.
During the arrest, the suspect was observed ingesting a foreign substance believed to be fentanyl. The officer intervened, potentially saving the suspect’s life by attempting to remove the suspected drugs from the suspect’s mouth. The officer was then bitten by the suspect and exposed to suspected fentanyl. At this time, the officer began to exhibit signs of fentanyl exposure and was transported to hospital for treatment. The officer has recovered from the physical injuries sustained as a result of the incident.
The related charges have been amended as follows:
- Assault Peace Officer Causing Bodily Harm
- Possession of Controlled Substance
- Breach of Probation
- Carry Concealed Firearm
- Arrest Warrant X 2
ORIGINAL RELEASE: December 4, 2024
Members of the Brantford Police Service arrested a 39-year-old woman on December 3, 2024, after a concerned citizen called to report the woman was in possession of a handgun.
At approximately 3:10 p.m., a concerned citizen called 911 to report a single motor vehicle collision in the area of Kiwanis Way and Glenwood Drive. It was reported that a woman in possession of a handgun fled the scene on foot towards a retail plaza on Colborne Street.
Officers searched the area, locating and arresting the suspect within a fast-food restaurant at Stanley Street and Darling Street.
During the search, out of an abundance of caution, two area schools were temporarily placed in lockdown.
Information received indicated the accused was wanted on outstanding warrants and was also in violation of a probation order. Search incident to arrest located a bb gun in the suspect’s possession which was seized.
During the arrest, the suspect assaulted and bit an officer.
The female suspect was transported to hospital for medical treatment due to suspected drug use. The officer was transported to hospital for treatment of injuries.
As a result of the investigation, a 39-year-old woman from Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Assault Peace Officer Cause Bodily Harm
- Possession of Firearm or Weapon
- Probation Order: Non-Compliance
The accused was held for bail.
Anyone that would like to report criminal activity within the community is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Anonymous information can be provided by contacting Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
MISSING PERSON: Leslie, 45
Incident 24- 50522
The Brantford Police Service are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 45-year-old, Leslie.
Leslie is described as 5’4”, weighing approximately 155 lbs., with a medium build, dark complexion, and brown eyes.
Leslie was last seen wearing a black coat with fur trim, a white sweater, grey jogging pants, and sheepskin style boots.
Leslie was last seen in the area of Market Street and Nelson Street, Brantford, mid-day of November 26, 2024.
The Brantford Police Service is concerned for Leslie’s well-being and are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information which may assist in locating the missing person.
Anyone with knowledge of Leslie’s whereabouts is asked to please contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
BPS Host Shop With A Cop
The Brantford Police Service organized the first Shop with a Cop event which was held today at the Lynden Park Mall, 84 Lynden Road, Brantford. The inaugural event paired 10 local children, between the ages of 9 and 13 with a Brantford police officer who became their personal shopper for the day.
The children received a $200 visa card to purchase gifts for their family. The gift cards were graciously donated by private sponsors and local businesses.
BPS Interim Chief Jason Saunders welcomed participants and officers who volunteered to participate in the event as they sat down for a complimentary breakfast provided by the Brantford Police Association.
Organizer Constable Joanne Sevier thanked all members for volunteering in this year’s Shop with a Cop before sending them off with their partners to start their shopping adventure.
Volunteers worked behind the scenes to wrap gifts for the children and kept the event running smoothly.
Following the morning of shopping, the children received a stocking full of treats for themselves, photos with Santa, and enjoyed a lunch with the officers, which was provided by Kelsey’s Brantford.
The children participating in Shop with a Cop were selected from recommendations made by their school, based on a wide variety of factors including need, recognition of specific academic or sports achievement, or because of volunteer efforts that are making a difference in the community. The children who were selected are recognized for being positive, kind role models within their schools.
The Brantford Police Service would like to thank the many sponsors and volunteers who generously contributed to the success of the event including:
Kelsey’s Brantford
Waterous Holden Amey Hitcheon LLP
Emerick Mechanical
Ark Electrical
Kim Aasla Travel Agent
Brimich Logistics
Home Hardware
Wendy’s
Vogue Optical
BPS Launch Holiday R.I.D.E. Campaign
In an effort to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, the Brantford Police Service is launching the 2024 Holiday R.I.D.E campaign. The campaign goal is to take alcohol and drug-impaired drivers off the roads and help raise awareness surrounding the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.
The BPS Holiday R.I.D.E program will be running during December 2024.
Impaired driving means operating a vehicle (including cars, trucks, snowmobiles, and off-road vehicles) while your ability to do so has been compromised to any degree by consuming alcohol, drugs or a combination of the two. Impaired driving is a very serious offence that endangers the lives and safety of everyone on our roads.
Alcohol — even one drink — can reduce your ability to react to things that happen suddenly. The effects of alcohol also include blurred or double vision, impaired attention and slowed reflexes. Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of death on Ontario’s roads.
Brantford Police Service would also like to remind drivers that both prescription and non-prescription drugs are an impairment while driving.
Penalties for Impaired Driving
If police determine that you are driving while impaired by alcohol or any drug, including cannabis, illegal drugs, prescription, and over-the-counter medications, you will face severe penalties as well as potential criminal charges if convicted in court.
The penalties vary depending on the driver’s age, licence type, the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system, and the number of times you have been convicted.
Impaired drivers will face the following penalties (depending on circumstances):
- Licence Suspension (3 days to lifetime)
- Vehicle Impoundment (7 days)
- Financial Penalties Payable ($250 to $550)
- Licence Reinstatement Fee ($281)
- An ignition interlock device may be required (6 months to 10 years)
- Attendance of mandatory education or treatment program(s)
- A mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
If convicted criminally of impaired driving in court, drivers can also face additional fines and jail time.
Throughout Canada, the maximum legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for fully licensed drivers is to be under 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.08. Driving with a BAC of 0.08 or over is a criminal offence and the penalties are severe.
In Ontario, you will also face serious consequences if your BAC is between 0.05 and 0.08. This is commonly referred to as the "warn range.”
Drivers aged 21 or under, and novice drivers of any age (with G1, G2, M1, or M2 licenses) must not have any presence of alcohol in their blood when behind the wheel. This is commonly referred to as the "zero BAC” or "zero tolerance” rule.
Young and novice drivers are also prohibited from having any presence of cannabis in their system as well as other drugs that can be detected using approved drug screening equipment. Ontario has a zero-tolerance approach to both alcohol and drugs for all young and novice drivers.
Don’t Do It - Avoid Driving Impaired
There are simple steps you can take to stay safe and avoid driving while you are impaired by drugs or alcohol:
- Have a plan to get home safely. Have a designated driver, use public transit, call a friend or family member for a ride, call a taxi or ride share, or stay overnight.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects related to driving when using prescription medication.
- Read the information on the package of any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicine, including allergy and cold remedies.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how a prescription drug could affect you.
Remember that combining drugs and alcohol together can impair your ability to drive more than using either one alone.
Have a plan to get home safely. Have a designated driver, use public transit, call a friend or family member for a ride, call a taxi or ride share, or stay overnight.
There is never an excuse for impaired driving.
BPS Continue to Seek Additional Witnesses of Collision
24-050487
The Brantford Police Service are seeking additional assistance from anyone who has dash cam footage while travelling on Park Road North between Governors Road East and Powerline Road, Monday November 25, 2024, between 6:00 p.m., and 6:20 p.m.
A multi-vehicle collision occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m., Monday, November 25, 2024, on Park Road North near Governors Road East, which sent one person to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Anyone with information or dash cam footage is asked to contact Constable Shannon Parks of the Brantford Traffic Unit at 519-770-6287 or sparks@police.brantford.on.ca
November 26, 2024
The Brantford Police Service is seeking information from anyone who witnessed a multi-vehicle collision which occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m., Monday, November 25, 2024, on Park Road North near Governors Road East.
One person was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Any witnesses or anyone with information or footage of the collision is asked to contact Constable Shannon Parks of the Brantford Traffic Unit at 519-770-6287 or sparks@police.brantford.on.ca
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
MISSING PERSON: Peter, 35
Incident 24-49445
The Brantford Police Service are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 35-year-old, Peter.
Peter is described as 5’9” weighing approximately 160 lbs., slim build, brown hair, brush cut, blue eyes, with several tattoos and a piercing in his left eyebrow. Clothing description is not available.
Peter will likely be accompanied by a grey pit-bull breed dog.
Peter was last seen November 1, 2024, and was reported missing to police November 18, 2024. Peter is known to panhandle at grocery stores located at Colborne Street West and Fairview Drive. He is also known to frequent the Port Dover area.
The Brantford Police Service are concerned for Peter’s well-being and are seeking information which may assist in locating the missing person.
Anyone with knowledge of Peter’s whereabouts is asked to please contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
BPS Arrest Two Brantford Men in Auto Theft Investigation
24-48521
Officers with the Brantford Police Service have arrested two men and recovered two stolen vehicles in an auto theft investigation.
On November 11, 2024, members of the Brantford Police Auto Theft Unit and Criminal Intelligence Unit launched an investigation in regard to the recent increase in motor vehicle thefts.
On November 12, 2024, police located a stolen Chevrolet Silverado on Sheridan Street. Two males were observed entering the stolen vehicle which travelled to the parking lot of the Lynden Park Mall, where one of the men was observed attempting to steal a Chevrolet Avalanche. This attempt was unsuccessful. The suspect then moved on to steal a Chevrolet Envoy. The suspect was observed driving the Envoy, fleeing the area, followed by the stolen Silverado. The stolen Silverado was left abandoned in a nearby parking lot.
Through investigation, two suspects were identified. On November 13, 2024, members of BPS Uniform Patrol and the BPS Emergency Response Unit attended a Sheridan Street residence where both suspects were arrested without incident. The two stolen vehicles were recovered by police.
As a result of this investigation, a 36-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following offences:
- Possession of stolen goods over $5,000 x 2
- Occupant of motor vehicle or vessel without consent x 2
- Attempt motor vehicle theft
- Motor vehicle theft
- Operation while prohibited by order under the Criminal Code x 6
- Driving while under suspension x 8
And a 24-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following offences:
- Possession of stolen goods over $5,000 x 2
- Occupant of motor vehicle or vessel without consent x 2
- Attempt motor vehicle theft
- Motor vehicle theft
- Driving while under suspension
Above: Photo of damaged steering column, attempted theft of Chevrolet Avalanche
With automobile thefts on the rise in communities across the country, stopping the most determined thieves will not always be possible.
Following these tips can help make your vehicle a less attractive target and harder to take, as well as increase the chances you get it back after a theft.
To protect yourself against vehicle theft,
- Always lock your vehicle's doors and windows when you park.
- Never leave your keys or remote in your vehicle, even for a short time.
- Park in well-lit, busy areas.
- Park inside your garage when at home.
- Don't leave valuables or personal identification in your vehicle.
- Consider installing an anti-theft system, such as an ignition or fuel kill switch, steering wheel lock, or electric alarm.
- Consider using a port blocker, which is a plug that you insert into your vehicle's port to prevent criminals from reprogramming your key fob.
- Consider using a tracking system like Tag Tracking, Kycs Locate, or Domino Tracking.
If your vehicle is stolen, you should:
- Contact the police immediately to file a stolen-vehicle report
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
Brantford police seek to identify suspect
Brantford police are seeking information from the public to identify a suspect involved in an ongoing criminal investigation.
Details of the investigation are not available for release at this time.
Anyone able to positively identify the male in the attached photographs are asked to contact Detective Len Van Holst at 519-756-7050 ext 2863.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Brant - Brantford Crime Stoppers by 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
