Auto Theft in Niagara

Across Southern Ontario, there has been a rise in thefts targeting vehicles from residential driveways, tourism centres and commercial parking lots.

Most vehicle thefts occur in large remote parking lots, shopping malls, residential driveways and unlocked garages.

Auto crimes have become a prevalent issue across Ontario, impacting and compromising safety, security, and the well-being of many residents and communities.  Since 2022, auto theft is among the top three generators for organized crime groups.

A report by the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CSIS) reported that Canada witnessed a staggering 62% increase in organized crime groups’ involvement in the stolen vehicle market between 2022 and 2023.

There are several factors that have contributed to the increased prevalence in auto crimes, one of which include the disruption of supply chains during the pandemic, that created a shortage of auto manufacturing parts and supply of vehicles. The result was an opportunity to profit from the sale of stolen vehicles in domestic and foreign black markets, and an incentive to use sophisticated innovative methods and technologies to commit these crimes.

The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) is a member of the provincial strategy to prevent auto thefts and conducts investigations in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General, allowing the NRPS to create the Auto Theft Investigation and Prevention Unit.

Additionally, the NRPS is an active participant of the OPP-led Organized Crime Towing and Auto Theft (OCTATT) Unit which conducts joint forces investigations related to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling organized crime networks operating high-level criminal and fraudulent activities related to vehicle crime, auto theft and misconduct in the towing industry.

In addition to crime prevention campaigns already underway, such as the #9pmRoutine, the Niagara Regional Police Service will be offering faraday bags at District front desks across Niagara to help residents combat this issue. Faraday bags are small pouches that interrupt the signal from a car and its key fob. Car thieves sometimes target and acquire the signal to facilitate the theft of cars.

Residents are encouraged to attend Districts during regular operating hours and ask for a faraday bag for personal use, along with educational material.

For more information on auto theft prevention in Niagara CLICK HERE