Police to Intensify Efforts Against Rising Vehicle Thefts in Mississauga and Brampton

In response to an alarming surge in vehicle break-ins and thefts, law enforcement agencies are ramping up their initiatives to combat the issue. Peel Regional Police have reported an unprecedented 6,042 motor vehicle thefts in the area last year, surpassing the previous year’s figure of 4,119 thefts and more than doubling the 3,062 incidents reported in 2019. Additionally, there were 4,170 reported cases of thefts from vehicles, marking a significant increase from the 3,967 incidents recorded in 2021.

In an effort to address this concerning trend, Peel police organized a summit in March, inviting stakeholders from the auto industry, manufacturers, and other relevant parties to explore strategies for theft prevention. One notable outcome from the summit involves the Peel police auto crime unit redoubling their efforts to combat vehicle theft.

During a recent meeting of the Peel Police Services Board (PPSB), Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich stated, “Our enforcement in this area will be more vigorous than ever before.” He further emphasized the importance of collaboration with the auto industry to develop vehicles that are more resistant to theft and to enhance safeguards against criminal activities.

Law enforcement officials attribute the rise in vehicle thefts to the increasing prevalence of “convenience” features like keyless entry, which have inadvertently made vehicles more vulnerable to theft. Criminals can exploit these features by using devices to clone key fobs or employ “relay theft” methods to gain unauthorized access to vehicles.

Milinovich acknowledged the impact these crimes have had on the community, stating, “We understand the deep impact on our residents. People are waking up to find that thieves from other jurisdictions and places have targeted their communities, resulting in a distressing situation.”

In a pilot program initiated by the City of Brampton, thousands of car owners received free Faraday bags, which are signal-blocking pouches that can prevent thieves from copying a vehicle’s key fob. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has consistently called on the federal government to recall the top ten most stolen vehicles in Canada with keyless ignitions and locks until the underlying technology is improved.

Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah confirmed that the police budget would support expanding the auto crime team. However, he stressed that efforts should extend beyond law enforcement, with the auto industry and the federal government playing crucial roles in prevention through policy and legislative changes.

While the increase in auto crime is not limited to Peel, Duraiappah noted that the region’s proximity to other areas in the Greater Toronto Area contributes to the higher incidence of thefts. Authorities have also identified the issue of stolen vehicles being shipped overseas through Canadian ports, including reports of vehicles being sold at a car lot in Ghana. Consequently, they have called on the federal government to allocate additional funding to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Milinovich concluded by assuring the community, stating, “As long as auto theft exists, we will do everything within our power as a police organization and as community leaders to address the growing concerns of our residents and ensure their security.”