Nearly $1,000,000 in stolen cars found in Brampton, Caledon
Published February 21, 2023 at 10:06 am
More than a dozen stolen vehicles worth nearly $1 million have been recovered after police raided properties in Brampton and Caledon.
The Caledon OPP says officers received information about possible stolen vehicles last Thursday (Feb. 16). The tip led the OPP and investigators from several other agencies including Halton Regional Police and the Canadian Border Service Agency to search two addresses in Caledon and Brampton.
Police say 16 stolen vehicles were seized during the investigation including:
- 10 RAM pickup trucks
- 2 Toyota Highlander SUVs
- 1 Lexus RX35 SUV
- 1 Chevrolet Suburban SUV
- 1 Volkswagen Passat
- 1 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV
Police have not said whether any arrests were made or if any charges are pending. The investigation is ongoing and police said “more information will be provided as it becomes available.”
The number of stolen vehicles has been on the rise across the Region of Peel in recent years with data from Peel Regional Police showing a 92 per cent spike in auto thefts last year compared to 2019 for a total of 5,811 auto thefts in Peel Region in 2022.
In response to the growing trend, the City of Brampton is launching a pilot program to give thousands of Brampton car owners of free Faraday bags – a signal-blocking pouch that can prevent thieves from copying your vehicle’s keyfob.
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Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown is also calling on the Federal government to recall the 10 most stolen cars in Canada until manufacturers can better safeguard vehicles against technology-savvy thieves.
Here are some tips you can use to help protect your vehicle:
- Report suspicious activity in your neighbourhood
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area
- Consider installing a security camera at your residence
- A steering wheel lock, such as “The Club,” can make your vehicle a less desirable target
- Install an audible alarm
- Use temporary means to cover the VIN displayed on the front windshield of your vehicle. Do not alter it or modify it
- Store your vehicle ownership, proof of insurance, and any other sensitive documents in your wallet or purse, not your glove box