In a determined bid to curb the rampant issue of auto theft, which is known to fund firearms and organized crime, Brampton is stepping up its security measures. This includes the installation of high-resolution cameras at major intersections and an unprecedented increase in the police budget, the largest in the history of Peel region.
During a recent panel discussion hosted by IPolitics at the Albany Club in downtown Toronto, local leaders, including officials from Ontario and representatives from the Toronto Police Association, deliberated on strategies to combat this pressing issue. Among the attendees were Ontario’s Attorney General Doug Downey and Toronto Police Association President Jon Reid.
Brampton’s Mayor, Patrick Brown, added his insights, emphasizing the broader impact of these crimes. “Auto theft is not just a local issue; it’s a national crisis that feeds into organized crime and directly affects community safety,” Mayor Brown commented. “By fortifying our city with strategic surveillance and fostering cooperation across jurisdictions, we aim to create a formidable barrier against these criminal operations.”
Paul Vicente, Regional Councilor for Wards 1 and 5 in Brampton, echoed the mayor’s concerns, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced security measures. “The linkage between auto theft and more severe crimes is clear and troubling,” Vicente stated. “With these new high-resolution cameras and increased funding, we are not just tackling theft but also disrupting the broader criminal activities that threaten our community’s safety.”
A strong advocate for enhanced safety measures, Brampton is also pushing for greater interjurisdictional cooperation. This includes empowering police forces with jurisdiction at critical points such as ports and intermodal hubs, which are often gateways for stolen vehicles. By securing these key areas, Brampton aims to significantly reduce auto thefts across Canada.