Auto Cargo Theft Unit
The Auto Cargo Theft Unit is comprised of 10 officers and is responsible for the investigation of all types of auto and heavy equipment thefts as well as theft of cargo from tractor trailers including commercial transports. Investigations focus on the apprehension of organized groups that either dismantle stolen vehicles, selling their parts for profit, or alter the vehicle identification number (VIN). These vehicles are often shipped overseas and sold. In 2008, a total of 1,356 vehicles were reported stolen, down from 1,741 in 2007. In addition, the Auto Cargo Theft Unit recovered 313 vehicles in 2008.
Current crime prevention programs include a community-based initiative between York Regional Police and local businesses, providing them with education on crime prevention strategies. This approach recently resulted in the prevention of the theft of three tractor trailers after staff recognized suspicious activity and called police.
2008 Highlight
Project Fresh Start
Targeting businesses involved in the theft and dismantling of stolen vehicles, officers working in the Auto/Cargo Theft Unit initiated Project Fresh Start in 2008. Officers concentrated on closing down illegal “chop shops” where stolen cars are dismantled and their vehicle identification numbers are altered or erased before they are shipped overseas. Project Fresh Start resulted in the recovery of 28 stolen vehicles with an estimated value of more than $800,000. Five men are now facing 63 Criminal Code charges.
Project Salvation
In 2008, the Auto Cargo Theft Unit partnered with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to investigate the importation of salvaged vehicles into Canada from the United States. Officers identified a series of fraudulent documentation for salvaged or stolen vehicles that were being registered with clean Ontario ownership licences. As a result of the investigation, one man was arrested and the ring of fraudulent paperwork was dismantled.
