Police Crack Down on Auto Theft Operations in Oakville

Halton Regional Police report that they’ve shut down two major auto theft operations in Oakville involving numerous vehicles.

In a statement released by investigators Thursday morning, the arrests and charges are a result of two significant inquiries into vehicle theft across Halton region and the larger Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA): Project Disconnect and Project Joker.

Halton Regional Police took the unusual step of publicly sharing video footage from their investigations, which seemed to show two suspects trying to start two vehicles in what appeared to be attempts to steal them.

“Auto theft is not a victimless property crime. It is driven by organized criminal networks that profit at the expense of our communities and undermine public safety,” Chief Stephen Tanner said in the statement.

Officers mentioned that the Project Disconnect investigation kicked off in 2026 after they received an increasing number of reports about vehicle thefts from Oakville hotels. Since January 1, there have been 28 thefts and attempted thefts at hotel parking lots.

On May 27, officers responded to an attempted theft involving two suspects. The statement indicated that investigators apprehended the suspects as they tried to flee, seizing a stolen Dodge Durango along with an onboard diagnostics reader, blank keys, and break-in tools.

Police stated that 21-year-old Jobanpreet Singh from Brampton was charged with possession of property obtained by crime, possession of counterfeit mark, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of break-in instruments, obstructing a peace officer, two counts of possession of an electronic device suitable for committing theft of a motor vehicle, and four counts of possession of an automobile master key.

The accused was wanted on a warrant from Canada Border Services Agency while being in the country on a student visa.

The second suspect identified was 26-year-old Atish Singh also from Brampton. He faced charges including possession of property obtained by crime, possession of counterfeit mark, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of break-in instruments, flight from police, assault with a weapon, assault with intent to resist arrest, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, disguise with intent, two counts for possessing an electronic device suitable for stealing vehicles and four counts for possessing an automobile master key.

Both individuals are currently held in custody awaiting their bail hearing in Milton court. Investigators believe they may be involved in other thefts within Halton Region as well.

Meanwhile, officers noted that Project Joker began back in April when a Lexus SUV was stolen from the Bronte GO station parking lot. Following this incident, investigators identified two suspects believed to be connected to organized crime groups based out in Quebec.

“Investigators subsequently identified a rental vehicle associated with the suspects and conducted surveillance. During the investigation, the suspects were observed stealing and attempting to steal vehicles in Oakville and Mississauga,” officers wrote.

The statement revealed that both suspects from Montreal were arrested on May 20. Dany Hamel-Poirier aged 27 was charged with possession of break-and-enter instruments; he faces multiple charges including possessing property obtained by crime over $5,000; disguise with intent; three counts each for stealing vehicles; three more for possessing property obtained by crime under $5,000; plus three counts for failing to comply with probation orders.

Authorities said Hamel-Poirier had outstanding warrants from four police services across GTHA and Quebec related to around 40 criminal charges. They added he was on probation due to previous auto-theft convictions while still under several Quebec orders linked to auto-theft offenses.

The second suspect arrested was Damian Daneau aged 20 who faced similar charges including possession related offenses concerning break-and-enter tools as well as multiple counts for vehicle theft both above and below $5k value alongside failure-to-comply charges during his undertaking conditions.

Both accused remain detained pending their bail hearings at Milton court.

“Investigators expect additional charges will follow as it’s believed these individuals are responsible for over 100 car thefts throughout GTHA,” stated officials involved.

Authorities reported recovering three vehicles connected within Project Joker’s scope already.

The allegations against all four people charged by Halton Regional Police haven’t been proven in court.

Halton Regional Police officers released video of an alleged vehicle theft. HANDOUT / Halton Regional Police Keep it Factual

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