A joint provincial carjacking task force has resulted in the recovery of millions of dollars worth of stolen vehicles.
Police announced the results of Project Titanium, “an investigation into a criminal network involved in violent auto thefts, home invasions and other non-violent auto theft occurrences,” at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
Police say 124 individuals were arrested and 749 criminal charges were laid following the investigation by Toronto police, OPP and other police services across the GTA
Investigators say they recovered 177 stolen vehicles with an estimated value over $10 million. They also seized eight guns, ammunition, tools commonly used in auto thefts, stolen car parts, $2,000 in cash, fake IDs, money counters and ski masks and other items used to conceal identities.
Auto thefts contributing to rise in violent home invasions
Though auto thefts in Toronto decreased by 28 per cent in 2024, they have contributed to an increase in home invasions, violent robberies and gun violence, according to police.
Many of the car thefts didn’t always target unoccupied vehicles, which OPP Detective Inspector Scott Wade called “alarming.”
He said some of the thefts posed a significant risk to public safety and involved “forceful entry into homes with demands that the owners’ hand over the keys to their vehicles.”
Criminal network tied to over 100 incidents, police say
In March, the task force identified a criminal network that police say is responsible for numerous crimes including armed home invasions, store robberies, break and enters, vehicle thefts and violent carjackings.
OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns said that the criminal network was successfully dismantled last week and is tied to over 100 incidents, including 21 home invasions and three carjackings.
“Our communities deserve to feel safe when they lay their heads down at night,” Kearns said. “It is the right of every Ontarian to feel at ease.”
Auto theft is one of the top revenue generators for organized crime groups according to Toronto police’s Deputy Chief Robert Johnson.
Investigators believe there are several criminal groups involved in Ontario carjackings. They said they’re working with police in Quebec and international law enforcement like Interpol to dismantle the different organizations.
Johnson said there is a demand for cars overseas, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, though some cars were recovered in South America.
Nearly half of individuals arrested were out on bail
Johnson said it is “really concerning” that 44 per cent of the individuals arrested were out on bail when they were arrested again. He later added that nearly a third of all those arrested were young offenders.
“Thankfully in this country, people are given a second chance but when it’s multiple times it is frustrating,” Johnson said.
He added that one of the possible driving factors is the “low risk, high pay off” nature of carjackings, with “a lot of money to be made” and a “lack of potential consequences.”
How to stay safe
Toronto police warn that vehicle crimes can threaten the safety of communities and provided a list of tips individuals can use to protect themselves.
Home invasions:
- When possible, drivers should park their vehicles in garages and ensure their driveway is well lit all night
- Homeowners should install a home security system if possible and remember that security cameras are an asset
- Put security film on glass windows and doors
- Have multi-point door locks on doors, keep backyard gates locked and ground windows secured
- Do not post on social media when you will be away on holiday
- Report suspicious vehicles or persons in the neighbourhood to police
Carjackings:
- Remain vigilant at all times, especially while driving at night
- If someone approaches your vehicle, lock the doors and set off the alarm with your key fob, the noise will attract attention to yourself and your vehicle, which may deter thieves.
- Thieves can purposefully rear-end cars to commit carjackings, when the driver walks around the vehicle to inspect damage, thieves can jump inside and flee with the vehicle
- If your vehicle is rear-ended, remain calm and do not exit the vehicle until it is safe to do so
- If you are involved in a collision, take note of the description of the driver, passengers (if applicable) and vehicle, including the colour, make, model and license plate number
- If you notice anything suspicious, remain inside and call your police service of jurisdiction, or 911 in case of an emergency.
- If you suspect someone is following you, drive to the nearest police station
- You can also park your vehicle in any public lot that is well lit and likely to have security cameras, such as a gas station
- Call police and notify them of the potential threat to your safety
- If you are approached by armed suspects, try to remain calm and comply with their demands
- Call police when it is safe to do so and avoid confrontation with the thieves
The results of Project Titanium were broadcasted through a live stream and can be viewed on the Toronto police’s YouTube channel.
Asma Sahebzada is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: asahebzada@thestar.ca
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