Organized theft rings targeting luxury cars are breaking into homes in search of keys to deactivate anti-theft devices, authorities say.

'With an immobilizer, you must protect the key.'—Rick Dubin, Insurance Bureau of Canada

Rick Dubin of the Insurance Bureau of Canada says that while break-ins are still rare, even consumers whose cars have engine immobilizers must guard their keys.

Immobilizers are devices that prevent cars from starting without keys, thus preventing hot-wiring — starting a car's engine by bypassing the ignition system.

"Fortunately, less than one per cent in our city here has involved breaking into homes and carjackings," Dubin said. "With an immobilizer, you must protect the key."

In late June, Toronto police issued a public safety alert saying residential incidents of breaking and entering are rising, particularly in north-central and south-west regions of the city.

"Vehicles are being stolen through residential break and enters, where the suspect[s] enter the home and obtain the keys for the vehicle," police said in a release dated June 28.

"Police are concerned about the risk of violence during a break and enter, as there is a strong potential for confrontation between the homeowner and the suspect."

Police said car owners should always lock their cars, park in a locked garage and secure their homes' doors and windows.

Consumer John Cavaliere of Toronto has invested in an engine immobilizer and a tracking system installed in his Audi A3 for peace of mind.

"You feel more safe," Cavaliere said. "You know you can leave your car and the only thing they can steal is the wheels, right?"

But Cavaliere said he is aware of current risks, noting that thieves stole a friend's car after finding keys in a home that was broken into.

Insurance regulators in Manitoba are making it mandatory for owners of vehicles with high theft rates to install immobilizers as of Sept. 1. The IBC says anyone who drives a car at high risk of being stolen should also consider getting the anti-theft device installed.

Transport Canada has set a Sept. 1 deadline, requiring all new cars, vans, light trucks and SUV's to be outfitted with electronic immobilizers.

The top five stolen cars, according to the insurance bureau, are:

• Three Honda Civic models.
• The Subaru Impreza.
• The Acura Integra.

None of the cars has a built-in immobilizer.