Video - Automated Licence Plate Reader Leads to Recovery of Stolen Vehicle and Arrest in Aurora

York Regional Police (YRP) have recovered a stolen vehicle and charged a suspect after an Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) alert in the Town of Aurora. This incident underscores the growing role of technology in helping police detect crime and protect the community. 

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, an officer on patrol in the area of Yonge Street and Elm Grove Avenue received an alert from the in-car ALPR system identifying a grey Ford Edge as being stolen. The officer continued to observe the vehicle while additional units and Air Support Unit moved in to assist. 

With the assistance of the YRP Air Support and Canine Units, the suspect was taken into custody at St. John’s Sideroad and Industrial Parkway South.

Kyvam AGHAKHANI BARFEH, 23, of the City of Barrie has been charged with Theft of Motor Vehicle, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, Dangerous Operation, two counts of Breach of Probation and three counts of Operation of a Conveyance while Prohibited.

The Ford Edge was reported stolen from the City of Barrie on June 3, 2026. 

At the time of the offence, AGHAKHANI BARFEH was on probation and was a prohibited driver. 

Video of the incident can be seen here:  https://youtu.be/EID0w-LAINk

The ALPR system was expanded to all YRP frontline police vehicles in December 2022. The system uses a camera mounted in police vehicles to automatically scan and analyze licence plates as the officers are on patrol. This technology strengthens policing efforts by enabling officers to quickly identify stolen vehicles and respond to potential criminal activity. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7145. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.

Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.