Ontario Taking Action to Combat Auto Theft in Niagara

Niagara Falls – The Ontario government is investing $726,659 over three years to help the Niagara Regional Police Service combat and prevent auto thefts in Niagara.

“Our government is working hard to support local police services and frontline officers in their efforts to prevent crime and hold offenders accountable,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“This provincial funding will help fight auto thefts in Niagara, as well as building on local prevention strategies, including the ‘Lock It or Lose It’ campaign.”

“Auto theft and its impact on violent crime is an issue that we are seeing across Ontario and here in Niagara,” said Bryan MacCulloch, Chief of Police of the Niagara Regional Police Service.

“We welcome this provincial funding to allow our service to continue to build awareness, collaborate with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders to identify solutions and ensure real action through enforcement.”

The funding is part of the government’s new Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program designed to support new and enhanced crime-flighting measures that focus on prevention, detection, analysis, and enforcement. In total, twenty-one police projects across the province are receiving funding for a total investment of $18 million over three years in the fight against auto theft.

“Every fourteen minutes a vehicle is stolen in Ontario and this investment will give police services the tools they need to successfully fight auto theft across the province,” said Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General.

“This grant will enable police services to work with law enforcement and logistics partners to enhance prevention, improve investigations and gather evidence to hold criminals accountable.”

The Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program is one of several measures underway to fight auto theft. Earlier this year, Ontario announced the Organized Crime Towing and Auto Theft Team to help police services identify, disrupt, and dismantle organized crime networks.

In addition, the government also announced the creation of the Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team to help police prepare and prosecute complex cases. Ontario is also exploring opportunities to combat vehicle thefts by partnering with Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and shipping container and rail companies.