New Reward for Car Theft Tips

With auto theft on the rise in the city, Toronto Crime Stoppers (TCS) is offering a cash reward as part of a public awareness campaign to illustrate the impact vehicle theft is having on communities.

“In addition to raising awareness about theft, this campaign aims to deter would-be-criminals by encouraging anonymous reporting of auto theft and other crimes to Crime Stoppers,” Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw said at a news conference at police headquarters on August 20. 

During the campaign, TCS is offering an enhanced cash reward of up to $5,000 for any information that can assist investigators in identifying and arresting those responsible for auto thefts in Toronto.

The enhanced cash reward will be valid for verified and approved information provided to TCS from August 20 to September 30.

TCS processes over 7,000 tips and 15,000 follow-ups annually that has assisted investigators in solving numerous cases in which community members were victimized.

Last year, anonymous tips helped solve five homicides, led to over 100 arrests with over 700 charges laid and the seizure of over $800,000 worth of illegal drugs.

In addition, tips led to more than $5 million in recovered/seized property, including 30 illegal firearms and 42 recovered vehicles which make up almost half of the value of all property recovered.

“Crime Stoppers helps enhance community safety by empowering members of the public to share information without fear of reprisal,” noted Demkiw. “As you know, auto theft has profound effects on community safety and well-being. The number of auto thefts, including carjackings and home invasion auto thefts and the increased violence, threats and use of weapons in the commission of these crimes continue to be a source of significant concern in Toronto, the GTA and across the country. These are not just property crimes. These crimes impact people’s sense of safety and security and have lasting impacts on families and communities touched by these violent acts.”

He said police services, other law enforcement partners and private sector industry stakeholders will continue working together to address this complex and very serious community safety issue.

“We will also continue to dedicate a significant amount of resources to investigating, arresting and prosecuting anyone involved,” Demkiw said. “Public awareness campaigns like this one are just one of the many ways Crime Stoppers continues to enhance community safety.”

The Chief acknowledged the media for helping to raise awareness of Crime Stoppers campaigns.

“Thank you for helping us keep our communities informed and reminding the public how to contact Toronto Crime Stoppers,” Demkiw added.

TCS Chair Sean Sportun said auto theft is a violation of the community’s safety and peace of mind.

“Every stolen vehicle represents a potential threat to public safety and brings about disruptions that go beyond financial loss,” he said. “It disrupts lives and weakens our community’s sense of security. We must recognize the power of community in combatting this issue. Toronto Crime Stoppers operates on the principle that everyone can play a role in crime prevention and community well-being…We should all feel empowered to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult. This is how we break the code of silence.”

Recognizing that auto theft crime extends beyond the city, Sportun said the campaign is adaptable for use by other Crime Stoppers programs and police services across Canada.

TPS has set up a Toronto Carjacking Task Force to address auto theft crimes and is working with law enforcement partners across the GTA to address the issue.

Inspector Joe Matys said the Hold-Up Squad now has the ability to provide a robust response to auto crimes victims. 

“Of the 378 occurrences investigated by the task force, 275 of them occurred in Toronto where residents of Toronto were victimized,” he pointed out. “A total of 73 percent of all occurrences happened right here in Toronto. Although these crimes are being committed in Toronto, the accused are being recruited from across the GTA, the Province of Ontario and neighbouring Quebec.

“We have to think of automobiles and auto related crimes such as carjackings, home invasions and break and enters as commodity robberies - similar to currency, jewelry or pharmaceutical drugs.   Criminals have found a new commodity to steal -- cars -- and we have to work collaboratively with our police partners, external partners, victims of crime and the community the address this issue.”

Matys said the Hold-Up Squad is instituting a new method to track and identify all auto-related issues within the City of Toronto. 

“The Central Auto Intake Office is modelled after a proven intake model developed by one of the Service’s own officers who created the Central Fraud Intake Office,” he said. “All auto crimes will now be routed, triaged and examined for trends and similarities by members of the Hold-Up Squad. This will include contacting every victim, providing information and prevention tips along with an offer for Victim Services.  Sometimes the vehicle taken has a direct impact on that person’s livelihood. Perhaps they use it for work or to pick up their children or partner.  The Toronto Police Service understands this and is working with a dedicated group of Crowns involved in the prosecution of these matters to ensure these concerns are understood by the judiciary.”

Last year, TPS had 11,951 stolen autos, excluding 425 carjackings, home invasions and break and enters targetting vehicles.

“Whether it’s robberies, carjackings home invasions or auto thefts, criminals are after a valuable commodity,” said Matys. “Working together with our residents, law enforcement and industry partners, we can make it harder for criminals to victimize communities and ultimately make a safer and more secure Toronto.”

Anyone with information about a crime that has occurred or about to happen can make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or visit 222.tips.com.