OPP and Hamilton police charge six in auto theft network

The OPP-led provincial auto theft and towing team, in partnership with Hamilton police, have arrested six individuals following an investigation into thefts across Ontario.

The provincial police team — known as PATT — began an investigation in February of this year into the theft of high-value vehicles throughout southwestern Ontario.

Separately, Hamilton police began looking into an auto theft network in their jurisdiction.

Following the identification of a connection between the two investigations, the PATT team and Hamilton police combined their efforts, forming ‘Project Torrens’ in September.

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On Oct. 28, search warrants were executed in locations across the greater Toronto and Montreal areas by the OPP and Hamilton police.

The investigation was also supported by Ottawa police, Sûreté du Québec and Toronto, Peel and Halton police services.

Six people were charged under the criminal code, with offences including theft of motor vehicles to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and possession of prohibited firearms.

The individuals were residents of York, Vaughan, Etobicoke, Southgate Township, Bolton and Brampton.

“Organized auto theft crosses borders, and so does our response. Hamilton police will continue to use every available tool and work closely with our partners, including the OPP, to investigate these criminal networks and hold those responsible accountable,” said Superintendent Marty Schulenberg, investigative services division.

The OPP say they continue to work with policing and investigative partners, including Équité Association, to disrupt organized vehicle theft and fraud to reduce the impact of such crimes in Ontario.

Anyone with any information in relation to the investigation or auto theft activity is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or their local police.

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