Police in the Waterloo Region have dismantled a major chop shop operation, recovering dozens of stolen vehicles valued at approximately $4 million. The investigation, which began on November 23, uncovered a “substantial” illegal operation involving high-end vehicles stolen from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Waterloo Regional Police (WRP) launched their probe after a stolen Toyota Tundra was spotted at a business on Darrell Drive in North Dumfries. Officers arrested two men on-site and, upon further investigation, discovered a large-scale operation with vehicles in various stages of dismantlement.
A search warrant executed at the business led to the recovery of 52 vehicles, including Toyota Highlanders, Tundras, Lexus RX350s, Dodge Rams, and Ford F150s. Police reported that only three of the vehicles were intact, with most stripped for parts suspected to be shipped overseas to repair other stolen vehicles.
“This was a large, sophisticated operation,” said Superintendent Shaena Morris of WRP’s Investigative Services Division. “We believe this operation has been active since October of this year.”
In addition to the vehicles, investigators seized $80,000 worth of tools and three forklifts, underscoring the organized nature of the illegal activities.
The investigation highlights the rise in vehicle thefts tied to organized crime, a trend police say they have been closely monitoring. “Over the past year, we have observed a rise in vehicle thefts related to organized crime and continue to allocate dedicated resources to these investigations,” Morris added.
Three individuals—a 73-year-old and 36-year-old from Cambridge, and a 29-year-old from North Dumfries—have been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000.
WRP is encouraging anyone with additional information to contact investigators at 519-570-9777 ext. 8255 or provide anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.crimestoppershamilton.com.
This operation underscores law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to combat organized vehicle theft and restore public confidence in affected communities.