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Province Investing $51 Million to Tackle Auto Thefts

Wednesday, 3 May 2023 at 13:33

By Linda Morgan

The Ontario government plans to fight an increase in auto thefts by investing in new measures to help police break up organized crime rings

The province has announced a $51 million investment to crack down on vehicle thefts and help police dismantle organized crime networks. 

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner made the announcement today, saying the money will support auto theft protection teams that investigate and prosecute criminal organizations that profit from stolen vehicles. 

"With vehicle thefts and car jackings 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 investment, which will be delivered over three years, includes a new community safety grant targeting auto thefts. 

It will also cover the cost of creating an organized crime and auto theft team led by the OPP, and a new major auto theft response team that will support the OPP. 

"We need a strong approach across the justice sector to stop the rise in auto thefts across Ontario," said Attorney General Doug Downey. "Today’s investments will support the creation of dedicated auto theft prosecution teams and enhanced court resources to investigate and prosecute criminal organizations, and ensure justice is served. Our auto theft focus will support our ongoing efforts to ensure communities remain safe and that we hold offenders accountable."

The province says there was a 72 per cent increase in auto thefts throughout Ontario between 2014 and 2021. 

In Ontario, a vehicle is stolen every 48 minutes. 

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