Ontario Police and partners announce Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force
Toronto, ON (Oct. 16, 2023) – The Toronto Police Service (TPS) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are pleased to announce the creation of a Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force (PCJTF), aimed at addressing the rising incidents of violence related to auto crimes in our communities. Whether it be a carjacking, a home invasion, an assault, or other form of intimidation, the level of violence being used in the commission of these offences represents a new and evolving threat to public safety.
Co-led by TPS and the OPP, the task force is a collaboration between police services from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including York Regional Police (YRP), Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), Peel Regional Police (PRP) and other external agencies, including Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario (CISO).
The purpose of the PCJTF is to disrupt the networks responsible for high-risk auto thefts, which increasingly involve violence, firearms and other weapons. Members of the task force will work collaboratively to maximize enforcement efforts against criminal organizations involved in violent vehicle crimes who are operating within the GTA.
The PCJTF will be notified of violent auto crime occurrences taking place in each jurisdiction, which will then be investigated collaboratively by the respective service and the PCJTF.
The PCJTF is being funded by participating police services, and by CISO, through funding provided by the Government of Ontario.
Violent Auto Thefts in the GTA
The incidents of violence related to auto crimes occurring in Ontario has increased over the last several years. For instance, there have been more than 300 carjackings in the GTA in 2023, with over 200 of those occurring in Toronto.
Thieves are stealing vehicles, and then using those vehicles to carry out other crimes, or are shipping them overseas, where they are resold. Alternatively, vehicle identification numbers (VINs) are altered and the vehicles are sold domestically.
Anyone with information about auto thefts in their community is encouraged to call their police service of jurisdiction. To provide a tip anonymously, call 1-800-222-TIPS (6477) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Quotes:
“The violence associated with auto thefts in Toronto and across the GTA is a concerning trend, and can be incredibly traumatic for victims and their loved ones. TPS is committed to the safety and well-being of our residents above all else, and we are working around the clock in collaboration with the OPP and our other policing partners to address this issue and hold people who commit these crimes to account.” – Superintendent Steve Watts, Organized Crime Enforcement, Toronto Police Service
“Carjackings are a serious public safety issue, which have resulted in assault and even homicides. To evade police, thieves may drive dangerously and recklessly, putting the lives of pedestrians, other motorists and police in danger. The OPP and partners will investigate and hold anyone who is involved in violent auto theft accountable, through a collaborative and intelligence-led approach.” – Chief Superintendent Paul Mackey, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Ontario Provincial Police
About Toronto Police Service
The Toronto Police Service is the fourth largest municipal police service in North America, with more than 5,500 officers and 2,200 civilian support staff. The Toronto Police Service is dedicated to delivering police services, in partnership with our communities, to keep Toronto the best and safest place to be. For more information, visit www.tps.ca.
SOURCE: Toronto Police Service
Backgrounder:
Results of Project Stallion: more than 1,000 vehicles recovered and 550 charges laid
Toronto, ON (Oct. 25, 2023) – ENCON Group Inc., a leading managing general agent in Canada, has announced ….
Today, Police Chief Myron Demkiw was joined by Superintendent Ron Taverner, 22 and 23 District Commander, to announce the final results of Project Stallion, an investigation into vehicle and catalytic converter thefts that began in November 2022.
The conference can be viewed on YouTube.
Project Stallion, which ended in September 2023, has resulted in the recovery of more than 1,000 stolen vehicles worth almost $60M, and more than 500 charges laid against 228 people.
Through funding provided by the Government of Ontario, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO) is supporting this Toronto Police Service joint investigation.
“Project Stallion is a reflection of how seriously the Toronto Police Service is taking the issue of vehicle thefts in Toronto,” said Chief Demkiw. “It is just one of the strategic and intelligence-led initiatives the Service has undertaken to tackle this ongoing problem, including the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force that was announced last week.”
The Chief went on to say: “We are committed to addressing the increasing levels of violence being used in the commission of these crimes, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, and agencies like Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario, by maximizing our enforcement efforts against criminal organizations responsible for these crimes.”
There have been 9,747 vehicles stolen in Toronto so far in 2023, and during the Project Stallion investigation, more than 3,500 vehicles were stolen in 22 and 23 Divisions. Thieves are stealing vehicles, and are then using those vehicles to carry out other violent crimes, or are shipping them overseas, where they are resold, or re-vinned and sold domestically.
“The Toronto Police Service takes these crimes very seriously, and through the ongoing work of our dedicated officers and support staff, over 1,000 vehicles have been recovered,” said Superintendent Taverner. “The conclusion of Project Stallion does not mark the end of our commitment to this issue. This will remain a top priority for the Service, and for officers in 22 and 23 Divisions, who understand how a vehicle theft, and the violence that sometimes accompanies it, can compromise a victim’s feeling of safety and security.”
Project Stallion, which operated between November 7, 2022 and September 24, 2023, has resulted in the following:
- Charged people: 228
- Charges laid: 553
- Vehicles recovered: 1,080
- Value of recovered vehicles: $59,065,120
Auto Theft Prevention Tips
1: The Basics
- Remove the FOBs from the vehicle and place them in a Faraday box/pouch
- Lock your doors and close your windows
- Park in a well-lit area
- Park indoors
- Install motion-sensor lights
- Install high quality surveillance cameras (not higher than 9/10 ft off the ground)
- Remove all valuable items from vehicle
- Cover the VIN
- Back into your driveway
2: Warning Devices
- Audible alarms
- Steering Wheel Lock (the Club)
- Brake lock / Pedal Lock
- Tire lock
- Theft deterrent decals
- Identification markers in or on vehicle
3: Immobilizing Devices
- Ignition kill-switches (simple toggle switch)
- Starter/ignition systems (IGLA – uses buttons on your steering wheel to enter PIN code)
4: Tracking Devices
- GPS
- Bluetooth
- TAG
Arrests and Charges
For a complete list of individuals arrested and charges laid, please consult the TPS press release.
About Toronto Police Service
The Toronto Police Service is the fourth largest municipal police service in North America, with more than 5,500 officers and 2,200 civilian support staff. The Toronto Police Service is dedicated to delivering police services, in partnership with our communities, to keep Toronto the best and safest place to be. For more information, visit www.tps.ca.
SOURCE: Toronto Police Service
Tags: police, vehicle theft