Mississauga/Brampton, ON – The Peel Regional Police’s 2024 Annual Report has revealed a drop in auto thefts across Mississauga and Brampton, signaling potential progress in what officials continue to describe as a growing and complex crisis across Ontario.
According to the newly released report, 7,231 car thefts were recorded in Peel Region in 2024 — a notable decline from the 8,322 thefts in 2023. While the reduction of 1,091 cases is seen as a positive step forward, authorities remain vigilant as theft levels are still more than double what they were just four years ago. In 2020, Peel Region logged 3,376 auto thefts; the number rose to 4,119 in 2021, and 6,065 in 2022, showing a consistent spike year-over-year.
The latest figures were presented to the Peel Police Service Board during its most recent meeting last Friday.
A Multi-Jurisdictional Threat
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah has been outspoken in characterizing organized auto theft as an epidemic not only locally but across many jurisdictions in Ontario. He notes that the issue has escalated beyond traditional criminal activity, becoming one of the top three sources of revenue for organized crime in Canada, often linked to violent incidents such as carjackings and home invasions.
“Organized auto theft has become an epidemic across many jurisdictions in Ontario and it has escalated into a complex national issue impacting the safety and well-being of our communities,” Chief Duraiappah said during the second annual Auto Theft Summit held this March at the Hyatt Mississauga.
The summit, along with the 51st Annual Vehicle Crimes Conference hosted in Mississauga last year, brought together law enforcement leaders from across North America, as well as stakeholders from the automotive industry, insurance companies, and federal government. The message was clear: addressing the auto theft crisis requires shared responsibility and systemic solutions.
Luxury and High-End Vehicles Most at Risk
Peel police confirm that SUVs, luxury vehicles, and sports cars remain prime targets, with thieves often striking in the overnight hours while owners are asleep. Vehicles are typically stolen from residential driveways, shopping mall parking lots, and even Toronto Pearson Airport. Many are quickly transported to Montreal, then shipped overseas to markets in the Middle East and Africa, where they are sold illegally.
Despite significant investment in patrols, public education campaigns, and collaborative task forces, police stress that law enforcement alone cannot fully resolve the issue.
“We also need solutions from government and automotive and insurance industries to vulnerabilities that are contributing to auto theft,” said Chief Duraiappah.
Public Awareness and Prevention Key to Reducing Crime
Peel police continue to emphasize the importance of community vigilance and preventative measures. Car owners are urged to take proactive steps such as using steering wheel locks, parking in well-lit areas, installing GPS trackers, and being aware of suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
While the 2024 numbers show a step in the right direction, police officials remain cautious. The road ahead in combating auto theft — particularly its organized, transnational dimensions — will require continued cooperation at all levels of society.