Latest news with #MajorAutoTheftProsecutionResponseTeam
Epoch Times
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Epoch Times
Ontario Seeks to Crack Down on Auto Theft by Allowing Police to Seize Fob Hacking Tools
Ontario is introducing legislation that would give law enforcement the authority to stop and search vehicles for auto theft devices, including fob hacking tools. The provincial government made the In 2024, The new legislation will amend the Highway Traffic Act to give police authority to search for and seize keyless entry devices used for auto theft, according to the province. Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria said Ontario residents deserve 'peace of mind' in knowing their homes and vehicles are safe. 'By cracking down on these illegal devices, we're disrupting criminal activity and giving police the tools they need to stop thefts before they happen, helping keep our communities safe for everyone,' Sarkaria said. Related Stories 10/16/2024 6/26/2024 The legislation would let police search for and seize devices suspected of being used to steal vehicles, the Ontario government said. It includes key fob programming devices, fob scanners, and some smartphone applications. The province said it is also permanently establishing a dedicated Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team to focus on specific communities, including Ottawa, Toronto, Brampton, Newmarket, Durham, London and Windsor, according to the government announcement. The team will provide legal advice and support to police, something the government said will help dismantle organized crime networks and reducing carjackings and home invasions. The legislation will allow the lawful use of devices by auto dealers, repair services, and roadside assistance personnel, the government said. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said the legislation is welcome. 'Through targeted enforcement and strong partnerships, we've made significant progress in Peel — recovering nearly half of all stolen vehicles in 2025 alone, laying hundreds of charges, and seeing a 45 per cent reduction in auto theft compared to the same time last year,' he said. Luxury Vehicles Stolen, Exported The government announcement comes just days after Peel Regional Police Police say on Nov. 2, 2023, two men broke into a Brampton area business where luxury vehicles wee rented out. The pair is accused of taking several vehicle keys and two luxury vehicles: a 2022 GMC SUV and a 2022 Rolls Royce. 'Following a lengthy and complex investigation, it has been determined that the stolen vehicles were exported to foreign markets,' Peel Regional Police said in an April 26 Police said they arrested a 29-year-old Brampton man and charged him with break and enter with intent and two charges of theft of a motor vehicle. They are still looking for the second suspect, Nikhil Sidhu, 26. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ontario wants cops empowered to seize electronic devices for vehicle theft
The province is making moves to get tougher on auto theft in Ontario. The Ford government proposed legislation that would amend the Highway Traffic Act to give police the authority to search for and seize electronic devices that are intended to be used for vehicle theft. While authorities say the combined efforts of law enforcement and government saw vehicle theft in Ontario decrease by 16% in 2024, criminals are increasingly using keyless entry technology to steal cars from unsuspecting victims. 'A major part of protecting Ontario is keeping our families and communities safe from the threat of crime,' said Zee Hamid, associate solicitor general for auto theft and bail reform, in a statement. 'Passing this measure will support law enforcement in safeguarding our streets, and make it easier to stop car thieves in their tracks.' If passed, the new legislation would allow police to search for and seize items such as key fob programming devices, fob scanners and some smartphone applications. 'No matter where you live, every family deserves peace of mind knowing their homes – and their vehicles – are safe,' said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria. 'By cracking down on these illegal devices, we're disrupting criminal activity and giving police the tools they need to stop thefts before they happen, helping keep our communities safe for everyone.' In addition, the province is permanently establishing a dedicated Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team to focus on crime hotspots, such as Ottawa, Toronto, Brampton, Newmarket, Durham, London and Windsor. The team provides legal advice and prosecutorial support to police services and helps dismantle organized crime networks, holding offenders accountable and cracking down on carjackings and home invasions. Since April 2024, the group has taken on over 80 prosecutions and provided legal advice on over 20 major investigations across Ontario related to more than 1700 stolen or targeted vehicles. 'Peel Regional Police welcomes the Ontario government's proposed legislation to help keep keyless entry devices out of the hands of criminals and further our fight against organized auto theft,' said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.
