3 charged after Toyota, Lexus SUVs stolen from Ottawa found in Quebec

Three people from Montreal are facing a slew of charges after a number ofhigh-end vehicleswere stolenacross Ottawa from the owners' driveways.

The thefts of anumber of Toyotaand LexusSUVsoccurred between late February and early March, according to Ottawa police.

Twenty of the vehicleshave been recovered, including four at the Port of Montreal and three in other parts of Quebec that police said were "believed to be destined for export at the Port of Montreal."

Three men ages 22, 25, and 26 are charged with offences including theft of a motor vehicle, possessionof break-in instruments, mischief and mischief to data.

Two of the men were released on promises to appear in court, while the third remainsin custody. They're accused ofusingsophisticated technology to program new keys for thevehicles.

Police said more charges could be laid.

The thefts are the latest over the past few years. They commonly happenovernight, using technology that quickly programs new vehicle keys.

• Police still frustrated by hundreds of high-end Toyota, Lexus thefts
• Toyota, Lexus owners warned about thefts that use 'relay attacks'

This year alone, police have received more than 100 reports of thefts of the newer Lexus and Toyota SUVs.

Anyone noticingnew or fresh damage to the driver's side door handle or someone taking photos of the car's vehicle identification number is encouraged tocontact police.