474 cars stolen in February in Mississauga and Brampton
Published February 25, 2023 at 2:48 pm
It seems like the crime-related video game Grand Theft Auto is imitating life, after a whopping 474 vehicle thefts happened in the month of February, in Mississauga and Brampton.
The area has seen an average of 17 or more motor thefts per day in the last 25 days.
From Feb. 1 to Feb. 25, Peel police data indicates that there were a combined 474 vehicle thefts reported across both cities — 239 in Mississauga and 235 in Brampton.
As of today (Feb. 25) a measly 8 of these incidents are considered solved, while the other 466 are still being investigated.
The following map shows where these thefts took place: 
Compared to the same time last year ( Feb. 2022) the vehicle theft count was sitting at a low number 0f 34 incidents for Mississauga and Brampton.
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It is no surprise that there is an uprising of motor vehicle thefts within Mississauga and Brampton and it seems like it involves a group of people who go on a stealing spree.
On Feb. 16 2023, four Montreal men were faced with 105 charges after Peel cops broke up an attempted car theft in the east end of Mississauga. Responding officers seized several break-in instruments and arrested four men in connection with that incident in addition to what police say is “an ongoing vehicle theft investigation.”
After further investigation, police say they recovered devices they believe were used during the attempted theft, including automobile master keys and a key re-programmer.
It’s one thing to be involved in a single-car theft, but what happens when there are hundreds of vehicles involved? What do the criminals do with them.
Last month that mystery was solved, when three Mississauga residents were among 51 people charged in a huge organized car theft bust.
Several police units from York, Mississauga, Brampton, Halton and Oshawa join forces on an investigation dubbed “Project Touchdown” that led to the successful recovery of 215 stolen vehicles worth $17.4 million which were destined for countries around the world.
With vehicle thefts becoming a growing concern, Peel police have released some safety tips on how to protect yourself:
- if possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage, as the majority of the vehicles have been stolen from driveways
- use a steering wheel lock. It will also act as a visible deterrent
- install a lock on the data port. This simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the computer port where the thieves gain access to reprogram the vehicle’s keys
- consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system. Ensure cameras are properly placed and functioning for day and night use. Familiarize yourself with the system so it can be reviewed and accessed immediately