Windsor police getting almost $900,000 to help combat car thefts
The Ontario government is giving the Windsor Police Service $899,749.98 over three years to help combat and prevent auto thefts in Windsor-Essex.
The funding is part of the government’s new Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant program designed to support new and enhanced crime-fighting measures that focus on prevention, detection, analysis and enforcement
“We have listened to the increasing concerns of citizens and law enforcement and I am happy to announce this new program and significant funding to help address this issue in our community,” said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie.
In total, 21 police projects across the province are receiving funding for a total investment of $18 million over three years in the fight against auto theft.
“Every 14 minutes a vehicle is stolen in Ontario and this investment will give police services the tools they need to successfully fight auto theft across the province,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “This grant will enable police services to work with law enforcement and logistics partners to enhance prevention, improve investigations and gather evidence to hold criminals accountable.”
The PAT grant is one of several measures underway to fight auto theft. Earlier this year, Ontario announced the Organized Crime Towing and Auto Theft Team to help police services identify, disrupt and dismantle organized crime networks.
In addition, the government also announced the creation of the Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team to help police prepare and prosecute complex cases. Ontario is also exploring opportunities to combat vehicle thefts by partnering with Canada Border Services Agency, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and shipping container and rail companies.
“Auto theft is one of the most significant problems facing our community. Earlier this year, the Windsor Police Service and our law enforcement partners dismantled a sophisticated auto theft ring, resulting in the recovery of 138 stolen vehicles valued at over $9 million” said Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire.
Bellaire said the new funding will help police more comprehensively invest in preventative measures to protect the community and reduce crime.
“The additional resources will enable us to grow our Auto Theft Unit, establish vital new community partnerships, and launch public awareness initiatives to ensure people don’t fall victim to this type of crime,” said Bellaire.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Norovirus spreading at 'higher frequency' than expected in Canada
Norovirus is spreading at a 'higher frequency' than expected in Canada, specifically, in Ontario and Alberta, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Weather system that caused deadly U.S. tornadoes heads north to Canada, bringing rain and snow
The same storm system that brought deadly tornadoes to parts of the U.S. is heading north, hammering some Canadian provinces with rain and snow, according to latest forecasts.
Gold watch worn by richest passenger aboard Titanic sells for record-breaking US$1.5 million
A gold watch worn by John Jacob Astor IV, a member of the wealthy Astor family and the richest man aboard the Titanic, sold for a record-breaking US$1.485 million at auction on Saturday.
Anne Hathaway reveals she's now five years sober
Anne Hathaway first shared she lost interest in drinking after a bad hangover in 2018. She’s now five years sober.
'Deeply unhappy' grocery shoppers plan to boycott Loblaw-owned stores in May
A boycott targeting Loblaw is gaining momentum online, with what could be thousands of shoppers taking their money elsewhere in May.
French actor Gerard Depardieu in police custody, legal team says
French actor Gérard Depardieu has been taken into police custody in Paris to face questioning, his lawyer told CNN Monday.
McGill University says pro-Palestinian demonstrators 'refuse' to collaborate, encampment violates policies
McGill University says the growing encampment on its lower field in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza violates its policies.
Trial for man accused of killing 4 Indigenous women in Winnipeg begins
The trial for the man accused of killing four Indigenous women in Winnipeg is set to begin on Monday.
These two chemists were friends for decades. A DNA test revealed they were actually cousins
Jim Arner was always interested in genealogy and discovering more about his ancestry. But after submitting his own DNA test, he learned an old work colleague was actually a distant cousin.