Combatting Vehicle Theft

Vehicle theft rates have been growing across our city, province, and country. Last year, rates of vehicle theft rose by 50% from the previous year in Quebec, 48.3% in Ontario, 34.5% in Atlantic Canada and 18.35% in Alberta. It is estimated that in 2022, approximately 9,600 vehicles were stolen in the Toronto area alone, representing a 300% increase since 2015.
 
The City is taking steps to prevent auto theft and recover stolen vehicles. In 2022, parking enforcement officers began conducting patrols equipped with infrared roof cameras. Using special license plate recognition software, the infrared cameras can immediately identify the license plates of vehicles that have been reported as stolen. This information is shared with the Toronto Police Service to streamline the investigation process and stop vehicle theft rings.
 
With that said, preventing vehicle theft requires intervention from all three orders of government. Evidence shows that transnational criminal organizations often ship stolen vehicles overseas. The Toronto Police Service has also indicated that the technologies used to steal vehicles are becoming more readily available, making it critical for auto manufacturers to begin incorporating anti-theft modifications into vehicle designs. Last term, City Council voted to request the Federal and Provincial governments to introduce coordinated measures to prevent vehicle theft, including at the time of manufacture.
 
As your City Councillor, this issue has remained top-of-mind for me at City Hall and I am pleased that it is becoming a focus for other levels of government. Last year, the Province announced an $18 million dollar investment over three years to help police forces across Ontario combat auto theft through the Preventing Auto Theft (PAT) Grant. In January, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $121 million to help address crime and safety issues in Ontario, including vehicle theft and organized crime. On February 8, the Federal government hosted a National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft, which included representatives from government, industry, and law enforcement.
 
You can learn more about vehicle theft and prevention tips on the Toronto Police Service’s website, here.