Auto thefts drop 'remarkable' 31% in York Region in 2024, police say

Auto thefts have dropped a "remarkable" 31 per cent in 2024, York Regional Police report.

Police are crediting the achievement to a combination of investigative efforts of the auto cargo theft unit, data-driven campaigns such as Auto Guard 2.0 and strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies.

Throughout 2024, the auto cargo theft unit focused on curbing thefts, particularly those occurring in residential driveways, a police news release said.

More than 245 stolen vehicles were recovered and criminal operations responsible for high-volume vehicle thefts across York Region and the Greater Toronto Area were disrupted, police said.

Two major investigative projects, Project Boa and Project Viper, played a pivotal role, in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency and the Equité Association, in dismantling sophisticated international criminal networks targeting high-demand vehicles like the Toyota Tundra, Lexus RX series, and Toyota Highlander, police said.

Thieves employed advanced methods to steal these vehicles, including reprogramming ignition computers to create new keys. The stolen vehicles were then shipped overseas, with shipments routed through the Port of Montreal, heading to buyers in regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Project Viper and Project Boa resulted in a combined recovery of over 140 stolen vehicles and the laying of 228 criminal charges. In the course of these operations, officers executed several search warrants that revealed additional criminal activity, including the seizure of four firearms, illegal drugs, and Canadian currency, police added.

Operation Auto Guard 2.0 — which ran from September to November 2024 — focused on disrupting organized crime groups that steal vehicles with the intention of shipping them offshore. Building on the success of the initial operation, it incorporated a multi-pronged approach that included enforcement, community engagement and proven crime-prevention strategies. It led to the recovery of 15 vehicles worth approximately $487,000, with 17 people facing 127 charges, police said.

The success of these operations was made possible through critical funding and support from the Ontario government, the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, police said.

"YRP would also like to thank the community for their ongoing support in combating auto theft. Crime prevention is a shared responsibility, where police and the community work together to create safer neighbourhoods. By collaborating, exchanging information and fostering trust, both sides play an essential role in preventing crime and ensuring public safety," the force stated.