365 Cars Gone in 31 Days: Police Reveal Mississauga and Brampton Hotspots
Auto theft continues to plague residents of Mississauga and Brampton, with a staggering 365 vehicles reported stolen between May 1 and May 31, according to Peel Regional Police data released this weekend. This marks the second consecutive month of high theft activity in the region, averaging more than 11 vehicles stolen per day.
The breakdown shows 220 incidents in Mississauga, 144 in Brampton, and one in Toronto under Peel police jurisdiction. Among the stolen vehicles were 278 cars, 67 trucks, 12 motorcycles, and 8 classified as “other.” So far, nine cases have been solved, while 333 remain under investigation, and **23 have been marked unsolved.
Two major hotspots this month have emerged as key targets:
- Great Lakes Drive (12 thefts)
- City Centre Drive (10 thefts)
Despite the alarming numbers, Peel police report that overall auto thefts in 2025 are down 45% compared to the same period last year. Authorities attribute this drop to enhanced local and international enforcement strategies that have targeted organized crime groups behind much of the theft activity.
High-profile incidents this past month include a lengthy carjacking investigation that led to the arrest of multiple Brampton suspects, a violent carjacking involving a stabbing, and the bust of an organized crime ring responsible for $33 million in stolen vehicles. Another case involving a dog in a stolen SUV remains under public appeal, as do charges stemming from a separate incident where handguns were recovered during a vehicle theft arrest.
Peel police continue to urge residents to take preventive measures, as driveways remain the most common theft location. Suggested tips include:
- Parking in a locked garage when possible
- Using a steering wheel lock as a visible deterrent
- Installing a lock on the vehicle’s data port to prevent key reprogramming
- Setting up video surveillance systems with proper camera placement for day and night coverage
Police are also encouraging residents in known hotspot areas to remain particularly cautious and report any suspicious behavior.