Hamilton police say 33 people have been arrested in connection with stolen vehicle investigations.

Back in January, police launched Project Hot Wheels after reports of stolen vehicles nearly doubled in the city.

Hamilton police teamed up with services from across the province including Halton Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Police, Ontario’s Vehicle Sales Regulator, The Insurance Bureau of Canada, Équité Association and City of Hamilton Bylaw.

Investigators looked at the history of repeat offenders and identified vehicles that are often targeted as well as hot spot theft areas.

As a result of the investigation, 33 people were arrested and 157 charges were laid.

Officers executed five search warrants, recovered 32 stolen vehicles, $93,000 in drugs, three firearms, ammunition, more than $9,000 in cash and stolen property.

Police say the total value of vehicles recovered was more than $500,000.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that could help police is asked to contact Acting Sgt. Brian Wren at 905-546-2948