​​BRAMPTON, ON – The City of Brampton welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of the implementation of the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft. Auto theft continues to have a negative impact on the city and the Action Plan is a significant step in combatting this. 

The Action Plan is focused on disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting the organized crime groups involved in auto theft. It identifies various measures and initiatives that can be implemented by the federal, provincial and territorial govern​ments and their partners, in keeping with their respective roles, priorities and responsibilities. It builds on the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft​, convened by the Government of Canada in February, and recent enforcement actions that have led to the seizure of hundreds of stolen vehicles. 

The plan includes: 

1. Legislative and regulatory changes. 
2. Intelligence/information sharing enhancements between municipal, provincial, federal and international police and customs officials in support of criminal investigations, charges and prosecutions, building on joint efforts that are already underway. 
3. Intervention improvements that will allow more shipping containers to be examined, through increased capacity at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the integration of new targeting tools. 
   

Mayor Patrick Brown has been advocating for the dire need for prevention measures and tools to be implemented and met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in April to express his concerns related to auto theft. 

Since 2020, auto thefts have dramatically increased across the country. As one of Canada’s largest urban centres and the fastest growing big city in the country, Brampton has also seen a significant rise in auto thefts. 

On February 1, 2023, Brampton Council passed a motion to help prevent auto theft in Brampton following residents' significant concern for their safety and well-being due to increasing auto theft in the community. 

Recent police reports show an increase in auto theft across Canada, where a car is stolen every 48 minutes. 

In addition to its advocacy efforts, the City has taken steps to help combat the number of auto thefts occurring including hosting a Tele Town Hall Combatting Auto Theft. 

To view the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft click here​. 

Quotes 

“As Mayor of Brampton, I am acutely aware of the profound negative impact auto theft has on our community. The CBSA’s work to deploy a scanner in the GTA, combined with increased container examinations at the CN intermodal hub in Brampton, marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to combat this pervasive issue. By enhancing our ability to detect and prevent the illegal export of stolen vehicles, we are not only protecting the property of our residents but also disrupting the revenue streams of organized crime. This initiative reflects our commitment to multi-jurisdictional collaboration and the safety of our city. I extend my gratitude to our federal partners for recognizing the urgency of this matter and providing the necessary resources to help address it." 
Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton           

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