The Government of Ontario announced on Nov. 24 an investment of $18 million over three years to help police combat and prevent auto theft in the province, according to a news release.
The Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) grant, as it is known, will provide funding for 21 projects related to new crime-fighting measures that are focused on prevention, detection, analysis, and enforcement. Premier Doug Ford said funds are meant to help Ontario police services crack down on what appears to be an increasing auto theft issue.
It is also meant to help dismantle organized crime networks and put auto theft criminals behind bars. “Our government is making the necessary investments so that our police officers have the tools they need to keep people and communities safe,” said Ford in a statement.
The funding for police projects include acquiring resources such as surveillance equipment, software and GPS tracking devices; providing special training to police investigators to boost their skill sets related to cracking down on auto theft; and creating new dedicated auto theft units, including cross-jurisdictional units, among other things.
The funds are also meant to help create partnerships with organizations such as the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the Canadian Automobile Association, as well as local car dealerships to share information and resources.
“Every 14 minutes a vehicle is stolen in Ontario, and this investment will give police services the tools they need to successfully fight auto theft across the province,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner in a statement. “This grant will enable police services to work with key partners to enhance knowledge and resources, improve investigations and gather evidence to hold criminals accountable.”
