Operation Auto Guard 3.0 Sees 35% Drop in Vehicle Thefts

Operation Auto Guard 3.0 led to a significant reduction in vehicle thefts across York Region, combining enforcement, investigation and community crime prevention efforts to recover stolen vehicles and lay charges.
May 5, 2026 General
A police vehicle in front of a high rise complex

For a third consecutive year, Operation Auto Guard has delivered strong results in the fight against vehicle theft.

Focused on combating vehicle thefts in the south end of York Region, Operation Auto Guard 3.0 uses a multi-pronged approach that includes enforcement, community engagement and crime prevention strategies.

Over the most recent reporting period, vehicle thefts in York Region decreased by 35 per cent compared to the previous year.

Thanks to the work of the Operation Auto Guard team, with support from the Criminal Investigations Bureau and Air Support Unit, dozens of stolen vehicles were recovered, with an estimated value of approximately $5 million.

A number of individuals were arrested and charges were laid in connection with these investigations.

York Regional Police continues to emphasize that crime prevention is a shared responsibility. Residents are encouraged to follow the Six Steps to Protect Your Vehicle from Theft.

If you haven’t already, share this information with friends and family so they can take steps to protect themselves.

Learn how to protect yourself from auto theft.