Auto Theft Prevention
York Regional Police is committed to combating auto theft and keeping our communities safe. Vehicle theft continues to impact residents across the Greater Toronto Area, causing financial hardship, emotional stress, and contributing to organized criminal activity. Through proactive enforcement, intelligence-led investigations, and strong partnerships with provincial and national agencies, York Regional Police is working to identify offenders, recover stolen vehicles, and prevent future thefts.
As part of these efforts, York Regional Police launched Operation AutoGuard, an initiative focused on prevention, education, and enforcement to address the growing issue of auto theft. Operation AutoGuard encourages residents to take simple but effective steps to protect their vehicles, including using steering wheel locks, storing keys away from entry points, and enabling vehicle tracking technology. The initiative also supports increased patrols, targeted investigations, and community outreach aimed at reducing opportunities for criminals and raising public awareness about current theft trends.
Take these six steps to protect yourself from vehicle theft
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle
Install a GPS-tracking device or a kill switch in your vehicle
Invest in outdoor cameras for your home
Use a steering wheel lock
Lock the vehicle and keep key fobs stored in a Faraday bag
Park in a closed and locked garage, if possible
Is this an emergency?
If this is an emergency, or you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.