1,000-plus cars recovered, over 200 arrested in stolen vehicle investigation across Toronto
Posted October 25, 2023 1:32 pm.
Last Updated October 25, 2023 4:52 pm.
Toronto police announced that over 1,000 cars had been recovered, and more than 200 people were arrested and charged as part of a stolen vehicle investigation across the city.
Police Chief Myron Demkiw was present to unveil the results of Project Stallion, an initiative focused on vehicle and catalytic converter thefts that began in November 2022.
Project Stallion concluded in September 2023, resulting in the recovery of more than 1,000 stolen vehicles worth almost $60 million and more than 500 charges laid against 228 people.
Demkiw said there have been just under 1,000 vehicles stolen in Toronto to date in 2023, and during Project Stallion, more than 3,500 vehicles were stolen across two police divisions.
Investigators believe thieves are stealing vehicles and using a variety of cars to carry out other violent crimes or are shipping them overseas, where they are resold or “re-vinned” and sold domestically.
“Project Stallion is a reflection of how seriously the Toronto Police Service is taking the issue of vehicle thefts in Toronto,” Demkiw said.
“It is just one of the strategic and intelligence-led initiatives the service has undertaken to tackle this ongoing problem, including the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force that was announced last week.”
Project Stallion results (Nov. 2022 to Sept. 2023):
- People Charged: 228
- Charges laid: 553
- Vehicles recovered: 1,080
- Value of recovered vehicles: $59,065,120
In a Project Stallion initiative from April 2023, Demkiw and the police force announced that over 550 stolen vehicles were recovered valued at over $27 million.
The police chief said vehicle thefts in Toronto have doubled since 2019, calling it a significant issue in the city and across the GTA.
As such, authorities are providing tips for car owners to limit these crimes city-wide. Officers suggest removing the FOBs from vehicles and placing them in a Faraday box or pouch, locking your doors, closing your windows and parking in a well-lit area.
For a complete list of those identified and charged through Project Stallion, visit the Toronto police website.
