Car theft incidents are decreasing in Mississauga and Brampton, and Peel’s police chief aims to keep this trend going.
The total number of car thefts dropped from 3,089 (Jan. 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025) to 2,790 during the same six-month span in 2026, according to Peel Regional Police statistics.
“We’ve made considerable progress in tackling the persistent issue of auto theft in our neighborhoods, and it’s vital that we maintain our momentum,” Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah stated on Monday. “With adequate resources, we can continue to deploy specialized teams for complex investigations and break down the criminal networks operating within our region and beyond.”
Duraiappah’s remarks came as he and other officials from Peel welcomed Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner Monday morning at police headquarters in Mississauga.
Kerzner was present to announce new provincial funding for Peel Regional Police along with other law enforcement agencies across Ontario as part of the fight against auto theft.
<p“Auto theft is declining throughout Ontario because our government prioritizes it and is providing police with the necessary tools and resources to target the organized criminals behind it,” said Kerzner. “While we're seeing real advancements, we won't slow down. That’s why we’re investing more into our police services and supporting their efforts to disrupt criminal networks while protecting families and communities across Ontario.”
Government representatives mentioned in a news release that since allocating $51 million over the past three years for initiatives like the Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program, the Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team, and the Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team, “motor vehicle theft has been declining in Ontario.”
According to Équité Association’s 2025 auto trend report, vehicle thefts in Ontario fell to 19,319 in 2025 from a high of 30,134 in 2023-a decrease of 36 percent.
Équité Association is a Canadian non-profit organization focused on reducing insurance fraud and crime prevention.
Last 30 Days: 55,647 Votes
All Time: 1,545,382 Votes
1123 VOTES
What have you cut back on the most because of the cost of living?
Kerzner announced Monday morning that an additional $6 million will be allocated through the 2026-27 Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program for various police projects across Ontario.
This includes $300,000 specifically for Peel police “to enhance their Commercial Auto Crime Bureau by supporting dedicated investigators, specialized training programs, public education initiatives, advanced investigative tools as well as participation in provincial auto-theft summits and intelligence-sharing forums,” according to a news release issued by the province on Monday.
Sinec 2023 , Peel police have received $1.2 million through the Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program.
Duraiappah expressed gratitude towards the provincial government “for backing our efforts to safeguard our communities , recover stolen vehicles , and hold offenders accountable.”
Mississauga-Streetsville MPP Nina Tangri was also present at police headquarters on Monday; she emphasized that supporting local law enforcement against car thefts remains a top priority which helps keep “families and communities safe.”
Tangri added that the $300 ,000 would equip Peel Regional Police with additional tools needed to tackle auto theft effectively , strengthen investigations , and disrupt organized crime activities.
The statistics released on Monday showed that there were 8 ,796 vehicles reported stolen across the province during the first half of 2026 compared to 9 ,601 during the same timeframe last year.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Stay informed!
Subscribe now for daily updates featuring today’s top stories from your city!
Source link
