B.C. Mounties say seized key fob kit could be used to steal 'virtually any vehicle'

Mounties in Kelowna, B.C., recovered a stolen car containing illicit drugs and a car key programming kit that investigators say could be used to steal "virtually any vehicle that uses a key fob." (Handout)

A 48-year-old man was arrested Thursday after Mounties in Kelowna, B.C., recovered a stolen car containing illicit drugs and a car key programming kit that investigators say could be used to steal "virtually any vehicle that uses a key fob."

A statement from the Kelowna RCMP says officers were patrolling Burnett Avenue around 9:30 a.m. when they saw a parked car with stolen licence plates attached.

Police approached the grey 2022 Honda Civic and arrested its sole occupant, who the RCMP say is known to local police.

The car had been stolen from the 1300 block of Richter Street on Dec. 31, 2024, the statement said.

A search turned up drugs indicative of street-level trafficking, as well as a key fob programming kit, which was seized as evidence, police said.

"These kits are costly and used by auto dealers and mechanics to program key fobs for vehicles," Sgt. Scott Powrie said in the statement.

"In the wrong hands, it could be used to assist a would-be thief steal virtually any vehicle that uses a key fob and we are very happy to have recovered it."

Investigators have released photos of the kit and are asking the public to help identify where it came from.

The suspect was released from police custody while the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.