With rise in illegal weapons in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Halton police take action

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Published July 12, 2022 at 4:55 pm

Armed carjacking arrest in Mississauga.

With the number of illegal weapons up substantially in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills, Halton Regional Police are taking action.

The local police department is joining forces with other law enforcement agencies across Ontario to battle guns and gang violence.

Police say the provincially funded Guns and Gangs Enforcement Strategy will greatly enhance their “collective effectiveness” in the ongoing battle against guns, gangs and violence throughout the province.

The amount of illegal weapons seized in Halton Region is up substantially from last year.

In 2021, the HRPS seized 24 illegal firearms from the community. In the first six months of 2022 alone, the Service has already seized 16 illegal firearms.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will lead the Guns and Gangs Joint-Forces Operation in an effort to increase both intelligence sharing and enforcement action.

Halton Regional Police will have two members assigned full-time to this initiative.

“Across the GTA, and throughout Ontario, we have witnessed a marked increase in guns and gangs-related violence. The safety and security of our community and protecting those who live, work and visit the region of Halton will always be our priority,” said Chief Stephen Tanner, of the Halton Regional Police Service. “The violence of these gangs, and the danger of an unprecedented number of illegal crime guns must be stopped.

“By joining our policing partners across the province in this coordinated and concerted effort to combat violent gangs and the violence they are responsible for, we will enhance the safety of all law-abiding citizens.”

The joint-forces operation is made possible through $75.1 million provided by the Ontario government last fall.

It will allow law enforcement partners to collaborate more effectively in order to enhance public safety through the disruption of gang networks and their associated criminal activities.

 

 

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