Tracking Device Found on Oakville Vehicle Leads Police to Alleged Serial Car Thief

OAKVILLE, ONT. — What began with an Oakville resident discovering a tracking device hidden on their vehicle has led to the arrest of a man police allege was involved in a series of high end vehicle thefts across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Halton Regional Police say the investigation began after the resident found the device and reported it to police.

Over the following five months, investigators say they connected Darryl Davance, 25, of Saint Jérôme, Que., to 14 thefts and attempted thefts involving high end Lexus and Toyota vehicles across the GTHA.

Davance was arrested and is facing 29 charges.

The allegations against him have not been proven in court.

Police say tracking devices are being used to target vehicles

Investigators say thieves have been using GPS and Bluetooth tracking devices as part of some vehicle thefts.

According to police, the devices can be discreetly attached to targeted vehicles while they are parked in busy public locations. The vehicle can then be monitored until it is moved somewhere more secluded, where an attempted theft can take place.

Halton police have previously warned that organized auto theft remains a significant issue in the region. The service says more than 1,400 vehicles were stolen in Halton in 2024, although that represented a decline from the previous year.

Where police say drivers should check

Police are encouraging vehicle owners to occasionally inspect their vehicles for unfamiliar devices, particularly if they own commonly targeted models.

Potential hiding locations can include areas around the wheel wells, licence plates, mirrors, bumpers and gas cap door.

Anyone who discovers a suspicious tracker should avoid immediately discarding it and contact police, as the device could potentially assist an investigation.

Halton police separately recommend several measures to reduce the risk of auto theft, including parking inside a locked garage where possible, using a steering wheel lock, protecting the vehicle’s diagnostic port and installing an aftermarket GPS tracker.

The investigation remains before the courts.

Source: Halton Regional Police Service