Candidates in Oakville East Address Growing Crime Concerns

Halton’s police chief is optimistic that the next federal government will help limit chances for criminals at Canada’s ports and keep repeat offenders off the streets longer.

Chief Stephen Tanner talked about the increase in crime during a meeting with the Halton Police Board on March 27.

He pointed out that crime increased by 4.6 percent, with 15,967 criminal offences reported in Halton in 2024 compared to 15,262 incidents from the previous year.

While a report given to the board stated that overall violent crimes decreased in 2024, there was an alarming 11.1 percent rise in robberies last year, totaling 141 robberies.

As of April 14, police reported there have been 30 robberies documented in Halton this year, including several home invasions.

The number of auto thefts in Halton fell from around 1,500 in 2023 to 1,143 in 2024, according to police reports.

“It’s going down but it’s still happening,” said Tanner.

“I know vehicles are still being located at the Port of Montreal and other ports like those in British Columbia.”

Police mentioned that so far this year, there have been 236 vehicles reported stolen in Halton.

Tanner acknowledged that while Halton police continue investigating these cases and making arrests, others need to contribute to truly lower these crime numbers.

“To tackle the highly profitable area of auto theft involving organized crime coordinating vehicle exports, significant changes need to happen at shipping ports,” said Tanner.

“Clearly if vehicles keep getting sent there and people are profiting from it, they wouldn’t be continuing this practice.”

Tanner suggested every shipping container entering a port should be X-rayed while suspicious ones should be set aside for closer inspection.

He also mentioned reinstating Ports Canada Police could help improve security issues at Canada’s ports.

“I’d love to see more funds allocated at our ports and airports for inspecting both incoming and outgoing shipments, particularly cargo,” said Tanner.

Additionally, he advocated for legislative reforms aimed at keeping certain offenders incarcerated longer.

The report given by Tanner to the Halton Police Board highlighted that out of the total of 3,998 arrests made in Halton during 2024, about 456 (11.4 percent) involved individuals violating their bail conditions.“We really need to get tougher on crime; however we can’t lock everyone up. I understand that,” said Tanner.


“We might need a different tiered system where violent offenders usually end up behind bars … I think we must create stronger laws against violent crimes such as human trafficking and repeat offenders so they serve as deterrents.”
Tanner shared he recently spoke with a victim who experienced an armed carjacking incident in Burlington.
This suspect also allegedly stole their cellphone and bank cards which were subsequently used for withdrawing money from their account.
Tanner noted that this suspect was eventually arrested and sentenced to six months under house arrest.
The police chief emphasized Ontario requires funding directed toward improving justice infrastructure (like courthouses and staff) so cases can proceed swiftly through trials instead of being dismissed due to delays.
Tanner recognized although this falls primarily on provincial responsibilities; federal support could significantly aid progress here.

Here’s what candidates for Oakville East had to say

. with residents raising alarm over rising crime rates; it’s no wonder it has become a crucial topic during this federal election with each party proposing its own plans.Candidates representing Liberal party include incumbent Anita Anand who stated numerous actions have already been taken by federal authorities regarding auto theft issues.“We changed parts of Criminal Code introducing stricter penalties alongside bail reforms while enhancing surveillance methods targeting exportation routes utilized by thieves within our rail yards,” she detailed.

Anand further emphasized results obtained through these measures indicated an impressive reduction rate – around nineteen percent drop-off registered concerning auto thefts recorded within first half-year span around twenty-fourteen.Moreover , major revisions undertaken surrounding Canada ’ s bail systems assist judges determining whether or not serious accusations warranted pre-trial release ; this included offenses connected weaponry , certain firearm transgressions along with domestic violence cases.

The re-elected Liberal government would:– Implement tighter rules governing bail pertaining specifically towards violent acts linked organized crimes like break-ins , vehicle larceny combined human trafficking especially towards habitual criminals. – Make it illegal intentionally prevent individuals accessing religious institutions , schools , community centers threatening/intimidating attendees therein. – Recruit additional thousand RCMP personnel combating drug-related activities along human smuggling rings, focusing cybercrime plus organized automobile larcenists. – Train extra thousand officers working under CBSA equipped handle drug interdictions illegal firearms seize stolen cars exportation outside borders. – Increase investment directed toward supporting first responders throughout nation.

Pledges from United Party Of Canada :

Alicia Bedford United Party candidate couldn’t be reached yet their website mentions plans include deploying specialized Border Protection Task Force addressing unlawful crossings related human trafficking. Furthermore pledging implementation modern surveillance technology across all border points utilizing drones , motion sensors biometric verification capabilities managing operations respectively. They also claim they intend inspecting containers coming into Canadian ports more thoroughly.

(Continued Coverage ) Conservative Party Of Canada :

     Ron Chhinzer Conservative candidate remains unavailable however party platform outlines intentions forming government resulting following points listed below : Immediate mobilization military helicopters conducting aerial reconnaissance across borders identifying risks expanding jurisdictional authority vested within CBSA allowing patrol beyond mere official crossing sites ! Recruitment efforts recruiting two-thousand new agents tasked intercepting illegally crossing persons/drugs/firearms etc! Installation high-powered scanning devices deployed major land checkpoints shipping facilities ensuring visibility inside cargo compartments detecting illicit contraband items like narcotics/guns/stolen automobiles. Constructing tower structures aiding surveillance deploying truck-mounted drone systems observing potential incursions bordering limits! Creating “three strikes law” designed keeping repeat offenders locked away barring them receiving any form probation until serving minimum ten years designation dangerous offender proving no threat before releasing back into society! Life sentences proposed anyone guilty manufacturing distributing transporting fentanyl exceeding forty milligrams imposed without exceptions even when related offenses occur between various other drugs smuggled! Any perpetrator found guilty committing five or more counts relating issues centered about abusing vulnerable individuals faces similar consequences under strict regulations enforced against assailants targeting intimate partners too ! New offense recognizing abuse directed towards close relationships introduced promising harsher punishments applied accordingly based upon circumstances found surrounding each case before courts deliberated upon grievances lodged against aggressors involved!!