‘Shell-shocked’: Mississauga man says 2 SUVs stolen from driveway in 2 weeks

As the auto theft crisis continues across the province, a Mississauga man is speaking out and demanding action from law enforcement after vehicles in his driveway were targeted and stolen twice in two weeks.

Video obtained by CityNews shows the alleged criminals hard at work on the man’s brand-new SUV, a Cadillac Escalade. Homeowner Zain says it took the suspects roughly an hour to get the vehicle started before they drove away.

“We just recently bought this car that we waited for about a year for, the Cadillac Escalade,” Zain said in an interview. “Within a week, we were in the process of getting a tag system or some sort of tracker installed on it, and it got stolen in the middle of the night.”

Zain says he reported the incident to Peel Regional Police and received a rental car through his insurance. Two weeks later, criminals struck again, stealing the SUV rental; this time, it took them about 30 seconds.

“They definitely look like professionals,” Zain said while showing surveillance footage of the second incident.

“They’re not even in a rush. The individual is just walking back. We’re pretty much shell-shocked. Twice in the past two weeks? This is ridiculous. What goes through your mental health is safety, your kids and your family.”

A Mississauga man is demanding action on the auto theft crisis after his brand-new SUV was stolen from his driveway. Photo: CityNews submission.

The Mississauga man admits he feels like he’s being watched and scouted by the criminals, saying, “There’s no privacy or sense of security.”

RELATED: WATCH — Surveillance captures two attempted carjackings in same Brampton neighbourhood

A spokesperson for Peel Regional Police tells CityNews they’re aware of these incidents and others popping up across the region and GTA but that there isn’t much else they can do.

According to the latest police data, car thefts in Peel Region are escalating. Between January 2023 and the end of August, almost 5,500 vehicles have been stolen, up significantly from last year.

Zain says there aren’t enough police patrols or law enforcement available to help make residents feel safe.

“We already know these cars are being sent across the border,” he said. “There’s obviously a lack of competence with whoever is involved in the process of getting these goods across the border.”

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) tells CityNews security officials have been working closely with GTA police forces and with others across the country, and despite numerous organized crime rings being dismantled, the latest data shows last year only 1,348 stolen vehicles were intercepted by the CBSA at ports and land crossings. 

“It’s not about insurance. At the end of the day, it’s the stress and mental health that gets impacted,” Zain said.

The Mississauga family plans to add more security layers around the home, and Zain says he’s considering installing fencing with a gate, flood lights and motion sensors. They have since purchased a new car, but the wait time to receive it is almost a year.