Fight Against Auto Theft

The Province investing additional $6 million to help continue downward trend in stolen vehicles

 Alongside provincial law enforcement partners, the Ontario government is helping to deliver results in the fight against auto theft. Since investing $51 million over the past three years to support initiatives like the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Program, the Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team and the Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team, motor vehicle theft is declining in Ontario. According to Équité Association’s 2025 auto trend report, vehicle thefts in Ontario declined significantly in 2025 to 19,319, compared to the peak of 30,134 in 2023, a reduction of 36 percent.

“Auto theft is down across Ontario because our government is making it a priority and is giving police the tools and resources they need to go after the organized criminals who are behind it,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “While we are seeing real progress, we will not let up. That is why we are doubling down, further investing in our police services, and supporting their work to disrupt criminal networks and protect Ontario families and communities.”

Through the 2026-2027 PAT Grant Program, Ontario is investing an additional $6 million to support 22 police projects across the province, bringing the government’s total investment to $24 million since 2023.

Solicitor General Kerzner made the announcement at Peel Regional Police Headquarters alongside Mississauga–Streetsville MPP, Nina Tangri. Peel Regional Police is being allocated $300,000 in PAT Grant funding to strengthen their Commercial Auto Crime Bureau (CACB), which supports dedicated investigators, specialized training, public education initiatives, advanced investigative equipment and participation in provincial auto-theft summits and intelligence-sharing forums.

“We have made significant steps in addressing the ongoing threat of auto theft in our communities, and it’s critical that we keep our foot on the gas,” said Chief Nishan Duraiappah. “With proper resourcing, we can continue to mobilize specialized teams to pursue complex investigations and dismantle the criminal networks operating across the region and beyond. We thank the Government of Ontario for supporting our efforts to protect our communities, recover stolen vehicles and hold offenders accountable.”

In Peel Region, there were 299 fewer auto thefts between January 1 and June 30, 2026. Approximately 2,790 vehicles were stolen, compared to 3,089 over the same period last year, a reduction of 10 percent.

“Keeping families and communities safe is a top priority for our government,” said Nina Tangri, MPP for Mississauga - Streetsville. “This $300,000 investment will give Peel Regional Police additional tools and resources to combat auto theft, strengthen investigations and disrupt organized crime.”

OPP-policed municipalities, municipal and First Nations police services were eligible to apply for the PAT Grant Program, which supports specialized training for police investigators, additional tools and resources such as surveillance equipment, software and GPS tracking devices and public education and awareness campaigns to help police combat and prevent auto theft.

Quick Facts

• A report by Équité Association states auto theft in Ontario decreased by 8.4 per cent in the first half of this year.
• The report, published last month, indicates 8,796 vehicles were stolen in the province in the first half of 2026, compared to 9,601 during the same period last year.
• Since 2023, Peel Regional Police has been allocated $1.2M in funding through the PAT Grant Program.