6-week auto theft operation led to 17 arrests, 127 charges and recovery of 15 vehicles: York police
Posted December 11, 2024 11:02 am.
Last Updated December 11, 2024 11:03 am.
York Regional Police (YRP) investigators are touting the success of a six-week auto theft campaign that focused on disrupting organized crime groups who steal and ship vehicles overseas.
Operation Auto Guard 2.0 started in October and was focused in the south end of the York Region — an area identified through data as a hot spot for vehicle theft.
Throughout the six-week period police recovered 15 vehicles worth around $487,000 and arrested 17 people who face a total of 127 charges.
YRP says the operation, along with others initiated in 2023 and 2024, has put a “significant” dent in the number of auto thefts in the region.
“As of October 31, 2024, there have been 2,732 vehicles stolen in York Region, down from 3,902 by that date in 2023 – a 30 per cent decrease year over year,” a YRP release states.
Enforcement was just one aspect of Operation Auto Guard 2.0. It also included active community engagement and proven crime prevention strategies.
Officers distributed more than 7,000 Faraday bags to drivers and 10,000 information cards recommending six steps to prevent auto theft.
