Early Morning Theft
A video circulating on social media captures car thieves in Brampton, Ontario, using a truck to ram into another vehicle parked behind it to facilitate a theft. The incident occurred last week around 5 AM.
Family’s Response
Within 30 seconds of the theft, the family inside the home rushed out, screaming and chasing the thieves on foot as they sped away.
Rising Car Theft in Peel Region
Peel region experiences 17 car thefts per day, a decrease from last year’s average of 23 daily thefts. Despite this reduction, auto theft remains a significant concern.
Insurance Claims Surge
Insurance claims for car thefts in Ontario have skyrocketed, increasing by 524% from 2018 to 2023. In 2023 alone, over $1.5 billion in insurance claims were paid out nationwide, with Ontario accounting for $1 billion of this total.
Efforts to Combat Auto Theft
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown visited the Port of Newark to observe their auto theft prevention measures. The port uses advanced scanners to measure the density of shipping containers and has real-time communication with local law enforcement. The United States requires shipping container contents to be declared 72 hours in advance, while Canada allows amendments up to 90 days after export.
Federal Government’s Plan
As part of Canada’s national plan to combat auto theft, the federal government is investing in new technologies. On an individual level, measures such as installing bollards at driveways are becoming more common, effectively deterring thieves.
Ongoing Investigation
Peel police are investigating the recent theft and are looking for five suspects involved in the incident.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of auto theft in Ontario and the various measures being implemented to combat it.