Peel Regional Police report a significant decline in auto thefts across Brampton and Mississauga, with 5,280 vehicles stolen in 2025 — a 27 per cent drop from 7,231 in 2024 and a sharp decrease from the 2023 peak when the region was labelled Canada’s auto theft capital.
Despite the progress, certain vehicle models continue to be heavily targeted by thieves. Over the past five years, the most stolen vehicles in Peel Region include the Lexus RX (2,182 thefts), Dodge Ram 1500 (1,640), Honda CR-V (1,385), Toyota Highlander (1,381), Ford F-150 (1,366), Jeep Wrangler (1,336), Honda Civic (1,108), Range Rover Sport (728), Honda Accord (603) and Toyota Tundra (564).
Police attribute the decline to enhanced enforcement strategies, including specialized units such as the Break and Enter and Auto Response Unit, along with stronger collaboration with provincial and federal partners. Multi-agency efforts like Project Chickadee, led by the Ontario Provincial Police, resulted in the recovery of more than 300 stolen vehicles and 20 arrests across Ontario and Quebec.
Authorities also credit expanded investigative capacity, including the doubling of the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau, increased border inspections with the Canada Border Services Agency, and improved coordination with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Public awareness campaigns and prevention measures by residents have further contributed to the downward trend.
The progress follows sustained pressure from municipal and regional leaders who sought support from higher levels of government to address the surge in thefts. Additional provincial funding and a major increase in police staffing — including 300 new officers in 2025 and another 175 planned for 2026 — have strengthened enforcement efforts.
Police say while the decline is encouraging, organized crime networks remain active, and residents are urged to continue taking precautions to protect their vehicles as enforcement efforts continue.
Police told Metroland Media that the vehicle brands and models still most targeted by thieves over the past five years in Brampton and Mississauga were:
Police told Metroland Media that the vehicle brands and models still most targeted by thieves over the past five years in Brampton and Mississauga were:
Lexus RX — 2,182 thefts
- Dodge Ram 1500 — 1,640 thefts
- Honda CR-V — 1,385 thefts
- Toyota Highlander — 1,381 thefts
- Ford F-150 — 1,366 thefts
- Jeep Wrangler — 1,336 thefts
- Honda Civic — 1,108 thefts
- Range Rover Sport — 728 thefts
- Honda Accord — 603 thefts
- Toyota Tundra — 564 thefts