The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested a prolific car thief from Quebec, identified as Darryl Davance (also known as Joey Tremblay), who allegedly used tracking devices to monitor high-end vehicles across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) for theft. The investigation commenced in April 2026 when an Oakville resident discovered an Accutag tracking device attached to their vehicle.
Davance, 25, a resident of Saint Jerome, Quebec, is accused of being responsible for 14 thefts and attempted thefts of luxury Lexus and Toyota vehicles between March and August 2026. Following his arrest on Tuesday, he faces 14 counts of motor vehicle theft and failure to comply with a release order, in addition to a single charge of mischief over $5,000.
According to a police statement, investigators believe Davance may be linked to several additional auto thefts in the GTHA, and the investigation is still ongoing. The police highlighted that tracking devices were found attached to multiple vehicles before their thefts, serving as a warning about this emerging criminal tactic.
HRPS explained that car thieves typically place these devices on desirable vehicles in busy public areas, such as shopping malls or hotel parking lots. Once a target vehicle is identified, the thieves discreetly attach a small GPS or Bluetooth tracking device to a location that is hard to spot.
Common hiding spots for these devices include:
- Behind the license plate
- Sideview mirror
- Inside the gas cap door
- Tucked into the wheel well or bumper
- Inside a trailer hitch
- Front grille and bumper area
Once the device is securely in place, thieves track the vehicle's location through an app, waiting for the right moment when the car is parked in a quiet area. This allows them to execute a theft away from the scrutiny of security cameras and potential witnesses. HRPS has circulated a video demonstrating how quickly one of these devices can be installed on a vehicle, showcasing a suspect in the act at Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke.
In light of these developments, the HRPS has provided a set of safety tips aimed at raising awareness among drivers. These recommendations include:
- Listen to Your Phone: Drive owners can utilize apps available for both Apple and Android devices to detect unknown tracking devices nearby. For instance, if an unidentified AirTag is moving with you, an iPhone will issue an alert stating, “AirTag Found Moving With You.”
- Perform Physical Checks: It is advisable to conduct a brief walk-around of your vehicle before leaving public parking areas, specifically inspecting common hiding spots such as wheel wells and license plates.
- Contact Police: If tracking is suspected, do not drive directly home. Instead, head to a well-lit public space or a police station where authorities can assist in locating and removing these devices.
- Use Vehicle Video Recording: If your vehicle is equipped with recording capabilities, consider activating them when leaving your car unattended, particularly in parking lots or malls.
The police emphasize that if a tracking device is discovered, individuals should contact law enforcement immediately without attempting to remove it, as it may contain crucial evidence aiding the investigation into the criminal organization involved.
