Windsor, Ontario – Data from the Windsor Police Service says that auto theft in the region rose considerably in 2021, with police reporting 846 motor vehicle thefts and attempts, compared to 676 in 2020, marking an increase of 25.1 percent.
The most common methods of theft include breaking and entering into businesses or homes for vehicle keys, or hijacking unattended vehicles, said police.
Police say many stolen vehicles were modified disguise their original registration. This included repainting the vehicle, changing parts and installing fake license plates.
The report says the findings resulted in the expansion of partnerships between the Auto Theft Unit and more OEM security departments or third-party security firms. According to the report, the partnerships have increased the proficiency and efficiency in tracking vehicles using GPS or embedded modems, in addition to locating and recovering stolen vehicles equipped with tracking capabilities.
For the full meeting agenda and statistics presented to the Windsor Police Services Board of Directors, click here.
