Ontario Taking Action to Combat Auto Theft in Cornwall
New funding will help Cornwall Police Services prevent vehicle thefts
NEWS
Cornwall — The Ontario government is investing $795,792 over three years to help Cornwall Police Services combat and prevent auto thefts in Cornwall.
“The Preventing Auto Theft Grant will certainly go to good use in the hand of Cornwall Police Services. It’s no secret that over the last couple of years we have seen a significant increase in vehicle thefts, not only in the City of Cornwall, but across the province. Auto theft is too often not only the loss of the vehicle, but it unfortunately results in the loss of personal effects and important documents. We have seen a drop in vehicle theft thanks to increased police efforts, this grant will surely help to escalate those efforts.” – Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry
The funding is part of the government’s new Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant program designed to support new and enhanced crime-flighting measures that focus on prevention, detection, analysis and enforcement. In total, 21 police projects across the province are receiving funding for a total investment of $18 million over three years in the fight against auto theft.
“Every 14 minutes a vehicle is stolen in Ontario and this investment will give police services the tools they need to successfully fight auto theft across the province,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “This grant will enable police services to work with law enforcement and logistics partners to enhance prevention, improve investigations and gather evidence to hold criminals accountable.”
The PAT grant is one of several measures underway to fight auto theft. Earlier this year, Ontario announced the Organized Crime Towing and Auto Theft Team to help police services identify, disrupt and dismantle organized crime networks. In addition, the government also announced the creation of the Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team to help police prepare and prosecute complex cases. Ontario is also exploring opportunities to combat vehicle thefts by partnering with Canada Border Services Agency, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and shipping container and rail companies.
QUICK FACTS
- From 2014 to 2021, there was a 72 per cent increase in auto thefts across the province, and a 14 per cent increase in the last year alone.
- Car thefts in Ontario have increased by 31 per cent in the first six months of 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
MEDIA CONTACT
Office of Nolan Quinn, MPP Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry
Tel: 613-933-6513 / TF: 1-800-514-9660
Email: nolan.quinn@pc.ola.org |