York Regional Police recover 161 stolen vehicles worth $10M
Posted June 23, 2023 4:28 pm.
Last Updated June 23, 2023 4:29 pm.
York Regional Police say they’ve recovered 161 stolen vehicles worth more than $10 million that were destined for parts of the Middle East and Africa for resale.
The month-long investigation saw York Regional Police team up with services across the Greater Toronto Area to investigate and recover vehicles that were stolen from driveways while residents slept.
Investigators say the bulk of the thefts occurred between midnight and 6 a.m., with the thieves slipping away in virtual silence after disabling car alarms.
Investigators say they are continuing efforts to “identify the criminal groups behind the thefts.”
Vehicles stolen in a matter of minutes
Police say organized vehicle theft rings are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly lean on technology to aid their nefarious activities.
“Once inside (a vehicle), an electronic device, typically used by mechanics to reprogram the factory setting or identify engine error codes, is connected to a port below the dashboard and programs the vehicle to accept a key the thieves have brought with them,” police explained.
“Once the new key is programmed, the vehicle will start, and the thieves drive it away.”
The entire process takes between two to five minutes, and the vehicles are then prepared to be shipped overseas in shipping containers.
