Efforts to combat rampant auto thefts in York Region led to a 31% dip in 2024.
York Regional Police say the “remarkable” decline in stolen vehicles last year is a “significant achievement” that was reached through a combination of the investigative efforts of the Auto Cargo Theft Unit, data-driven campaigns such as Autoguard 2.0 and strong law enforcement partnerships.
“Throughout 2024, the ATCU has remained committed to curbing auto theft, particularly those occurring in residential driveways,” police said in a statement released Wednesday.
“Their unwavering efforts led to the recovery of more than 245 stolen vehicles and the successful disruption of criminal operations responsible for high-volume vehicle thefts across York Region and the GTA.”
Police said two of the ATCU’s major investigations — Project Boa and Project Viper — played a pivotal role in the region’s success in tackling auto theft.
These initiatives resulted in the dismantling of “sophisticated international criminal networks” that targeted “high-demand vehicles” such as the Toyota Tundra, Lexus RX series, and Toyota Highlander, police explained.
“Thieves employed advanced methods to steal these vehicles, including reprogramming ignition computers to create new keys,” police said. “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.”
Police said Project Viper and Project Boa led to a combined recovery of over 140 stolen vehicles and 228 criminal charges laid.
“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 to be shipped offshore.
“Building on the success of the initial operation, it once again incorporated a multi-pronged approach that included enforcement, active community engagement and proven crime prevention strategies,” police said. “It led to the recovery of 15 vehicles worth approximately $487,000, with 17 people facing 127 charges.”