MISSISSAUGA — Auto theft remains a persistent threat in Peel Region, with a staggering 330 vehicles reported stolen in Mississauga and Brampton over the past month alone, according to new data from Peel Regional Police.
From April 4 to early May, police logged 164 thefts in Mississauga, 135 in Brampton, and one incident in Toronto under Peel’s jurisdiction. The breakdown includes 261 cars, 63 trucks, 14 motorcycles, and six other types of vehicles — averaging more than nine thefts per day across the region.
Despite the alarming numbers, Peel police say there’s a silver lining: auto thefts are down by 45% compared to the same period in 2024. Authorities credit stepped-up enforcement, targeted investigations, and cross-border recovery operations for disrupting several organized crime rings behind these thefts.
Still, only eight of the 330 reported cases have been resolved so far. Another eight have been declared unsolvable, while 314 remain under investigation.
The data also reveals theft hotspots in Peel, with Great Lakes Drive (16 thefts), City Centre Drive (11), Airport Road and Dixie Road (8 each), and Courtney Park Drive (7) among the most targeted areas. These locations are now under increased surveillance and patrolling by local police.
Peel police also highlighted three recent high-profile incidents that underscore the scale and variety of these crimes: a vehicle discovered submerged in Lake Ontario in Mississauga, a dog rescued from an auto theft-linked repair shop, and a $750,000 luxury car heist in Brampton that led to one arrest while a second suspect remains at large.
As thieves become more sophisticated, authorities are urging the public to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles. Their top recommendations include parking in locked garages when possible, using visible deterrents like steering wheel locks, securing vehicle data ports with lockable devices, and investing in quality video surveillance systems with night vision and easy access for quick review in case of theft.
Peel police continue to stress community cooperation and vigilance as key elements in reducing thefts further. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity and stay informed on crime trends in their neighborhoods.