In a bid to combat auto theft and organized crime, the Ontario government is investing $134 million to purchase five new police helicopters for use in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa. These helicopters, equipped with the latest technology, will help keep highways and roadways safe from violent carjackings, auto theft, street racing, and impaired driving.
Ontario is investing $134 million to acquire five new police helicopters. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will receive two H135 helicopters to support Ottawa and Toronto Police Services, while Durham, Halton, and Peel Regional Police Services will each operate one new helicopter.
These helicopters will enhance the ability of police services to detect crime, disrupt criminal activity, safely apprehend offenders, and assist vulnerable missing persons. They are expected to significantly improve response times and the overall effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.
Premier Doug Ford: “Our government is making the necessary investments to ensure that police services have the tools and resources they need to crack down on auto theft and car thieves. From implementing new technologies and innovative policing strategies to tackling guns and gangs and getting more boots on the ground, we’ll do whatever it takes to put the criminals behind bars and keep our communities safe.”
- Solicitor General Michael Kerzner: “Criminal networks have become more sophisticated, but so have we. In Ontario, a car is stolen every 14 minutes—this is completely unacceptable. These helicopters will be a critical tool in helping police stay one step ahead of the criminals who are stealing cars and committing crimes on our streets.”
- Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy: “We are investing directly in the wellbeing of Ontario families, who deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities. With these five new helicopters patrolling our roadways and neighbourhoods, we’re sending a clear message to criminals that we do not tolerate threats to public safety.”