Ontario Measures to Combat Auto Theft

The Ontario government is investing $18 million over three years to help the police service take action to combat and prevent car theft, as well as protect property and public safety.

The grant is for the Policing Anti-Theft (PAT) program, which covers 21 diverse projects, including new crime-fighting measures focused on prevention, detection, analysis, and enforcement.

Prime Minister Doug Ford said: "This investment will help the police service tackle car theft, dismantle organized crime networks and get these criminals off the streets and behind bars. "Our government is making the necessary investments so that police officers have the tools they need to keep people and communities safe."

This budget is dedicated to the following:

1. Access to specialized resources including monitoring equipment, software, and GPS tracking devices.
2. Providing specialized training to police inspectors.
3. Creation of new units for car theft.
4. Improving the collection and analysis of data on organized crime and criminal activities.
5. Increasing cooperation with organizations such as the Canadian Insurance Center and the Canadian Automobile Association and local car dealers.

Attorney General Michael Kerzner added, "Every 14 minutes a car is stolen in Ontario, and this investment will give the police service the tools they need to fight car theft across the province."

This action is part of the ongoing programs that deal with car theft. Ontario has created the Organized Car Towing and Theft Team to help identify, disrupt, and dismantle organized networks. The province is also involved in working with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and trucking and rail companies to combat car theft.

The rate of car theft in Ontario increased by 72% from 2014 to 2021, with a 14% increase in the last year alone. In the first six months of 2023, compared to the same period of 2022, it has increased by 31%.

Car theft in Toronto increased by 81% from 2014 to 2021, and violent theft in the city increased by 78% from 2021 to 2022. In Peel County, car thefts are up 45 percent since 2021, and York Region police have reported an 82 percent increase in car thefts.

news source