In response to a significant increase in carjackings across the province, the Ontario government is investing $51 million over three years to combat vehicle theft and organized crime.
The province said the new funding will help create the Organized Crime Towing and Auto Theft Team, led by the Ontario Provincial Police, which will identify, disrupt and dismantle organized crime networks participating in vehicle theft.
“While vehicle theft is not new, the frequency of these incidents and the level of involvement of organized criminal networks represents a new and evolving threat,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique in a news release.
A new Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team will also be created to provide the OPP with dedicated legal and prosecutorial support to prepare and prosecute complex cases.
In addition, the province will create a new community safety grant that targets auto theft. Police services across Ontario can apply for grant money to purchase extra tools, supports and resources to fight auto theft in their communities.
“With vehicle thefts and carjackings on the rise, our government is taking bold action against a serious and often violent crime where high-tech criminals operate in tightly organized networks,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “These measures are aimed at taking crime organizations apart and bringing these criminals to justice.”
The Ontario government is also exploring partnerships with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and shipping container and rail companies.
According to statistics provided by the province, a car is stolen every 48 minutes in Ontario. Between 2014-2021, there was a 72 percent increase in auto theft across the province.
