Aurora, Ontario — A recent auto theft investigation conducted by the York Regional Police in Ontario led to multiple charges laid against individuals suspected of being involved in the theft of 50 stolen vehicles, valuing about $3 million.
Police charged eight individuals following the execution of search warrants at two residential addresses and a commercial property while also seizing $80,000 in cash.
The aim of the investigation, referred to by York Police as Project Extinction, was to address an alleged increase in vehicle thefts from residential driveways.
According to the police press release, the majority of these thefts occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.
With only a screwdriver and re-programming tools, and at the cost of only 10 or 20 minutes of a thief’s time, a vehicle can be stolen silently and with relative ease, to then be shipped overseas for sale.
York police listed the following steps that vehicle owners can take to protect themselves from auto theft:
- If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage, as the majority of the vehicles have been stolen from driveways
- Use a steering wheel lock. It will also act as a visible deterrent
- Install a lock on the data port. This simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the computer port where the thieves gain access to reprogram the vehicle’s keys
- Consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system. Ensure cameras are properly placed and functioning for day and night time use. Familiarize yourself with the system so it can be reviewed and accessed immediately
