Surveillance footage reveals what seems to be a suspect removing a tracking device from a stolen vehicle.
A man from Quebec, already sought by several police forces and facing around 40 criminal charges, has been taken into custody as part of a Halton Regional Police inquiry into an organized auto theft ring believed to be behind over 100 vehicle thefts in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Halton police shared details about Project Joker, an investigation that began in April when a Lexus SUV was reported stolen from the parking lot of Bronte GO Station in Oakville.
Investigators pinpointed two suspects thought to belong to an organized crime group based in Quebec and carried out surveillance after linking them to a rental car. Authorities allege that the suspects were seen stealing and trying to steal vehicles in both Oakville and Mississauga before their arrest on May 22.
One of those arrested is 27-year-old Dany Hamel-Poirier from Montreal.
Authorities state that Hamel-Poirier was wanted by various law enforcement agencies across Ontario and Quebec, including Peel Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, and the Sûreté du Québec. At the time he was arrested, he was facing around 40 criminal charges related to auto theft.
Investigators also claim that Hamel-Poirier was on probation for earlier auto theft offenses and had multiple release orders in Quebec tied to charges related to auto theft.
Hamel-Poirier has been charged by Halton police with three counts of motor vehicle theft, possession of break-and-enter tools, possession of property obtained through crime, failing to comply with a probation order, and disguise with intent.
A second man from Montreal, 20-year-old Damian Daneau, faces several charges including motor vehicle theft, possession of break-and-enter tools, possession of property obtained through crime, and failing to comply with an undertaking.
Police recovered three stolen vehicles during their investigation and expect more charges will follow.
Investigators think this duo may be responsible for over 100 vehicle thefts across the GTHA.
“The fact that these individuals are allegedly linked to more than 100 vehicle thefts while already facing numerous criminal charges and subject to release orders should be concerning to everyone,” said Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner in a statement.
“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.”
Both suspects are being held in custody awaiting bail hearings in Milton.
AUTO THEFT INVESTIGATION
Captured on video: suspects stealing a vehicle in broad daylight in seconds & attempting to disable tracking technology on a stolen truck.
Two HRPS investigations resulted in 4 arrests, dozens of charges, and the disruption of organized auto theft… pic. twitter. com/eav Xe1duax – Halton Police (@Halton Police) June 4, 2026 INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies Last 30 Days: 47,276 Votes All Time: 1,372,369 Votes 1318 VOTES Source link
Captured on video: suspects stealing a vehicle in broad daylight in seconds & attempting to disable tracking technology on a stolen truck.
Two HRPS investigations resulted in 4 arrests, dozens of charges, and the disruption of organized auto theft… pic. twitter. com/eav Xe1duax – Halton Police (@Halton Police) June 4, 2026 INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies Last 30 Days: 47,276 Votes All Time: 1,372,369 Votes 1318 VOTES Source link
