Return Customers: London, Ont. couple’s two cars stolen from driveway within hour
London, Ontario — What must have first felt like a cruel joke became all too serious for one London, Ont. couple, as Paige Chiacchia and Kevin Nyamutera were left helpless as both of their vehicles were stolen from their driveway, within the span of about 45 minutes, earlier in December. Nyamutera was the victim of […]
Chop Stop: More than $350,000 in stolen vehicles seized from Vaughan auto shop
Vaughan, Ontario — Yet another chop shop operation has been shut down in the GTA this week, as York Regional Police (YRP) shed light on an investigation into an auto repair shop in Vaughan that was allegedly re-VINing and selling stolen vehicles. The YRP’s Auto/Cargo Theft Unit has charged four people in connection with the […]
Cat Scratch: Manitoba expands catalytic converter engraving program following steep drop in thefts
Winnipeg, Manitoba — While much of the nation sits in a state of relative powerlessness when it comes to the theft of catalytic converters, a triple threat partnership between the province, the police and Winnipeg Crime Stoppers has greatly curbed theft rates in Manitoba, and its efforts are only becoming more expansive. On July 18, […]
Them Kia Boyz: Hyundai, Kia vehicles ‘easy targets’ for theft, IIHS report says
Toronto, Ontario — In the hopes of balancing out some of the fear mongering that can sprout up when vehicle thefts come on the rise, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has unveiled some concrete insights into what vehicles are being targeted, why they are being targeted, and what happens when they are recovered? It […]
Fobbed Off: Car relay theft attacks spreading across Western Canada
Golden, British Columbia – Auto theft is on the rise across Canada, and small towns are no exception. In the past month, the town of Golden witnessed a 60 percent increase in auto theft, according to the RCMP. While the RCMP has not provided further details in its press release, aside from some tips, this […]
Shamelessly Stolen: Calgary auto restorer robbed of tools, photo albums and Hot Wheels
Calgary, Alberta — A Calgary automotive restorer is appealing for the return of some personal momentos, after his shop was broken into twice. According to Global News, Donz Wheels of Time Restoration was broken into twice over the Canada Day long weekend. Hundreds of items were taken in two separate occasions, and the robbers also […]
Shining a Light on Crime: Security expert lays out tips for protecting your lot from theft
Toronto, Ontario — As parts and used vehicle supply continue to dwindle, members of the security industry are urging collision facility owners to lock down their vulnerabilities and invest in protection for their parking lots full of profits. Perhaps it goes without saying, but when a customer drops off their vehicle for repairs, they are […]
Marked for Theft: Apple AirTags used in multiple Toronto car thefts
Toronto Ontario — Car theft is on the rise, and tracking devices are making it easier for thieves to drive off with your vehicle. Over the past year, car theft has steadily risen by more than 50 percent. While the use of AirTags is far from the norm, these devices have been linked to a […]
Catch and Release: Project Platinum towing corruption case falls through in Newmarket, Ont. court
Newmarket, Ontario — When reports of corruption within the GTA’s towing industry first hit mainstream headlines, local police services looked poised to get to the bottom of it, but as the aftermath of Project Platinum is sorted out in court this week, defence lawyers are baffled by the amount of charges that have been stayed. […]
Catching Cat Burglars: Airdrie, Alta. RCMP team up with collision centres in theft prevention initiative
Airdrie, Alberta — Throughout May, Airdrie, Alta. RCMP are making efforts to address catalytic converter theft through partnerships with collision centres. As part of a crime prevention initiative, Airdrie RCMP reached out to local bodyshops to ask that, when servicing a vehicle, they offer their customers the “no-charge” option of etching the last six digits […]
