Adedokun Waliyu 
The Ontario government wants to help police combat and prevent auto theft, to the tune of $18 million.
“This investment will help our police services crack down on the growing problem of auto theft, dismantle organized crime networks and get these criminals off the streets and behind bars where they belong,” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement.
From 2014 to 2021, there was a 72% increase in auto theft across the province, and a 14% increase in the last year alone.
Car thefts in Ontario have also increased by 31% in the first six months of 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022.
“Every 14 minutes a vehicle is stolen in Ontario, and this investment will give police services the tools they need to successfully fight auto theft across the province,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner in a statement.
The provincial grant will go towards buying new software, GPS and tracking devices, providing specialized training to investigators, creating new units dedicated to auto theft, and expanding data collection and analysis.
In Toronto, auto thefts increased 81% from 2014 to 2021 and the city experienced a 78% increase in violent carjackings from 2021 to 2022.
In the first half of 2023, 5,077 vehicles were reported stolen in Toronto.
“In Peel Region, carjackings have risen 45% since 2021 and York Regional Police report an 82% increase in auto theft when comparing the first half of 2023 to 2022.
“Auto theft continues to be one of our most pressing issues that gravely impacts our community and its safety,” said Nishan Duraiappah, Chief of Peel Regional Police, in a statement.
“We are pleased with the leadership and commitment the province has shown on the issue, and the funding provided through the Preventing Auto Thefts Grant will further support our ongoing efforts in our region.”
Duraiappah says his region has the highest per capita number of stolen vehicles in the province, losing about 20 vehicles a day and it’s not just about auto theft, but an “alarming trend” of it supporting a host of other organized crime.
