Key Fob Protective Bags

At the April 25, 2023 Council Meeting, Members of Council approved Mayor Del Duca’s Member’s Resolution (PDF) which tasked City staff with developing recommendations for a pilot program to leverage key fob protective bags to help reduce auto thefts in the community. It was decided that bags would be purchased and given to residents on a first-come-first-serve basis at City Hall and all City community centres starting on Wednesday, Aug. 9.

To ensure people receiving the key fob protective bags are residents of Vaughan, all people will be asked to show their driver’s licence. Customer Service representatives will keep a record of who receives a bag to ensure each resident only gets one.

This information is collected under the legal authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c.25, as amended. This information will be used by The Corporation of The City of Vaughan to record distribution of key fob protective devices. Questions regarding this collection may be directed to By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services, The Corporation of The City of Vaughan, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, Ontario L6A 1T1, 905-832-2281.

No. The key fob protective bags will be given out one per person, on a first-come-first-serve basis at City Hall and all City community centres starting Wednesday, Aug. 9.

We encourage you to follow York Regional Police’s tips to help protect your vehicle, research anti-theft measures and take the appropriate steps you believe will best protect your vehicle.

Tests have shown that, when used properly, key fob protective bags can block thieves from reading radio frequencies in key fobs.

Some thieves conduct what is known as a relay attack, which involves using a device to read the radio frequency of a key fob in a house. They then relay that frequency to a vehicle on the driveway to trick the vehicle into thinking the key fob is next to or in the vehicle. This allows them to unlock, start the car and drive away without damaging the vehicle or setting off an alarm.

We encourage you to follow York Regional Police’s tips to help protect your vehicle, research anti-theft measures and take the appropriate steps you believe will best protect your vehicle.

York Regional Police (YRP) shares the following tips to help protect your vehicle:

• Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
• Maintain control of your keys at all times.
• Always lock your vehicle, even while in the driveway.
• When possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage.
• Don't leave keys hanging inside the door, especially if they can be seen from outside.
• Ensure valuables are in the trunk or out of view.

To learn more, visit YRP’s Home Security and Protection webpage.

If you believe your vehicle has been stolen, contact York Regional Police to file a report. You should also contact your insurance company to file a claim.

Community safety and well-being is one of the priorities outlined in the City’s 2022-2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. The key objectives for this priority include:

• enhancing community safety in collaboration with Regional/Provincial/Federal partners.
• continuing to provide comprehensive fire protection and emergency services.
• continuing to implement the By-law Strategy.