In a recent report by The Trillium, alarming statistics have emerged: over 50 vehicles are stolen daily in Ontario, with many of them ending up in shipping containers destined for foreign markets.
Governments at all levels have made combating auto theft a top priority in recent weeks. Premier Doug Ford issued a stern warning to car thieves, asserting that they will be pursued relentlessly. Additionally, the Trudeau Liberals have allocated $15 million to address this escalating problem nationwide.
Bryan Gast, formerly with the OPP and now serving as vice-president of investigative services at Équité Association, is well-versed in the challenges posed by auto theft. In a recent episode of Village Media’s Inside the Village podcast, Gast shed light on the evolving methods employed by modern car thieves.
Gast cautioned that contemporary car thieves operate with sophisticated techniques, far beyond traditional tools like screwdrivers and coat hangers. He highlighted the intricate networks involved, ranging from scouts identifying target vehicles to technologically adept criminals executing the theft. Moreover, there are groups dedicated to transporting stolen vehicles to exit points in Canada, followed by those facilitating their shipment overseas or their sale domestically or abroad.
Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village offers a weekly glimpse into the finest local journalism across Ontario. Produced by Derek Turner, the podcast delves into both regional news and broader issues impacting the province.
Episodes of Inside the Village are accessible online, and for those who prefer audio formats, they are available on various podcast platforms.
