While York Regional Police have seen a decrease in auto thefts, it plans to ramp up enforcement and actively involve the community as carjackings have increased.
Chief Jim MacSween said auto thefts are down 31 per cent at today's launch of Operation Auto Guard 2.0 at District 2 headquarters in Richmond Hill. He said about 2,440 vehicles have been stolen in York Region so far this year, down from 3,460 year over year.
“We’ve seen success with our strategy and will keep working hard to further reduce the number of thefts, increase the number of vehicles recovered, and arrest those responsible,” said MacSween.
Following ramped-up joint forces enforcement initiatives last year, 80 vehicles worth an estimated $5 million were recovered.
The latest campaign involves police focusing their investigations on specific neighbourhoods that crime analysts have designated as hot spots for carjackings.
“The brazen and violent nature of auto theft has escalated due to the involvement of organized crime, which has extended its reach of these criminals beyond our borders,” said MacSween.
He said thieves steal vehicles from crowded parking lots and residential driveways in “mere seconds.”
“They work in teams to scout out vehicles in advance as their criminal organizations arrange delivery to overseas locations to complete the lucrative, illegal circle,” said MacSween.
While vehicle thefts are down, carjackings are up. Police previously reported a 106 per cent increase in carjackings year over year.
Officers plan to go door-to-door in hot spots to speak with homeowners about preventing auto theft, such as placing steering wheel locks, adding a GPS tracker, and installing security cameras and lights to deter criminals.
They plan to converse with residents at shopping malls and recreation centres, handing out postcards with crime prevention tips in multiple languages, and Faraday bags, which block the signal-duplicating devices that replicate key fobs.
MacSween reminds residents to be aware of their surroundings, keep doors locked while driving, and park vehicles in a well-lit area. If people suspect they are being targeted, he encourages them to call 911 or drive to a nearby police station.
Associate Minister Graham McGregor said the province would provide $900,000 to York Regional Police to combat auto theft.
“Crime right now, and auto theft in particular, is a serious problem disrupting the lives of hardworking people not only in York Region but all across Ontario,” said McGregor.
The funds are part of a preventing auto thefts grant designed to support new and enhanced crime-fighting measures that focus on prevention, detection, analysis, and enforcement.
McGregor said the federal government is to blame for releasing repeat offenders onto the streets. He called for the government to reform bail to keep violent and repeat offenders behind bars.
“Canada’s catch-and-release bail system does not deter auto theft and carjackings. Frankly, it tells organized crime it's business as usual and must stop,” said McGregor.
