The Edmonton Police Service has made arrests in connection to what it calls a “sophisticated series of thefts” targeting Lexus and Toyota vehicles. According to EPS, more than 20 high-end Lexus and Toyota trucks and SUVs have been reported stolen in Edmonton in 2025. To date, five of those vehicles have been recovered. Investigators believe the thieves were using sophisticated electronic equipment to steal the vehicles and then ship them overseas. “We would like to remind the owners of newer Lexus and Toyota SUVs and newer Toyota trucks to take extra precautions securing their vehicles inside a garage when possible,” said Acting Staff Sgt. Ian Strom. “We also recommend the use of an aftermarket ignition kill switch and a steering wheel club.” On April 16, three Montreal residents were arrested while moving a stolen Lexus to a storage locker in west Edmonton. An 18-year-old was charged with two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, possessing an electronic device used to commit theft of a motor vehicle and breach of release conditions. A 21-year-old was charged with three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, possessing an electronic device to be used to commit theft of a motor vehicle, personation and obstructing a police officer. A second 21-year-old was charged with two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, possessing an electronic device to be used to commit theft of a motor vehicle, fraud under $5,000, uttering a forged document, obstructing a police officer, personation and four counts of breach of release conditions.
