Halton police say alleged car thief used tracking devices to monitor, steal high-end vehicles

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is accusing a prolific car thief from Quebec of using tracking devices to monitor and steal high-end vehicles in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). The investigation began in April 2026 when an Oakville resident discovered an Accutag tracking device attached to their vehicle. Police have identified Darryl Davance, also known as Joey Tremblay, 25, from Saint Jerome, Quebec, as the suspect.

According to HRPS, Davance is responsible for 14 confirmed thefts and attempted thefts of luxury Lexus and Toyota vehicles throughout the GTHA between March and August 2026. He has been arrested and charged with 14 counts of theft of motor vehicle and failure to comply with a release order, as well as a single count of mischief over $5,000.

Authorities believe the accused is responsible for additional auto thefts in the GTHA and the investigation remains ongoing.

HRPS explains that the tracking devices are attached to desirable vehicles in busy public areas such as shopping malls and hotel parking lots. Once a target vehicle is identified, the thief discreetly hides a small GPS or Bluetooth tracking device in a hard-to-see location, such as behind the license plate, sideview mirror, inside the gas cap door, or within the wheel well or bumper.

The thieves then monitor the vehicle's location through an app and wait for the car to be parked in a secluded area before executing a coordinated theft, often away from security cameras and potential witnesses.

To help prevent vehicle theft involving tracking devices, HRPS offers several safety tips for drivers. They recommend downloading apps for both Apple and Android phones that can detect unknown third-party trackers in the surrounding area. If a driver suspects they are being tracked, they should not drive directly home but instead head to a well-lit public area or police station for assistance.

If your vehicle has video recording capabilities, consider turning them on when not in use, such as in a mall or parking lot. If you find a tracking device on your vehicle, contact the police immediately without attempting to remove it, as it may contain valuable evidence for the ongoing investigation.