Cops, Crime Stoppers offer cash to curb car thefts in Toronto

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Toronto Crime Stoppers and the Toronto Police Service is offering an enhanced cash reward of up to $5,000 for information to identify and arrest criminals responsible for auto thefts in the city

The  campaign hopes to raise awareness about the growing impact of auto theft.

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“The number of auto thefts, including carjackings and home invasion auto thefts, along with the increased violence, threats, and use of weapons in the commission of these crimes continue to be a source of significant community concern in Toronto and across the country,” said Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw.

“In addition to dedicating a significant amount of resources to this issue, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and private sector stakeholders to address this complex and very serious community safety issue.”

Police say a car was stolen every 40 minutes in 2023.  That amounts to 12,000 vehicles worth an estimated $790 million.

This year in Toronto, there have been 5,300 vehicles stolen since January.

The reward will be valid for verified and approved information provided until Monday, Sept. 30.

“Toronto Crime Stoppers remains resilient in our efforts to combat crime issues in our city while continuously exploring ways to enhance the safety for our citizens. This proactive approach to creating awareness on auto theft is a testament to improving the safety of the community we serve and works to empower a movement towards a crime-free Toronto,” said Sean Sportun, chairman of Toronto Crime Stoppers.

The Toronto Police Hold Up Squad will provide a robust response to the victims of auto theft, said Hold-Up Squad Insp. Joseph Matys.

“The Toronto Police Hold Up Squad now has the ability to provide a robust response to victims of these auto crimes, and assist our divisions in returning officers to frontline duties,” said Insp. Matys.

“By working together with our residents, law enforcement and industry partners, we can make it harder for criminals to victimize communities and work toward a safer Toronto.”