3,900 cars stolen in 2024 in Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario; 97 cases solved
Published July 14, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Last Updated July 15, 2024 at 9:25 am
Vehicle theft continues to be a significant problem in Mississauga and Brampton with just shy of 4,000 reported incidents in the last seven months, a trend that has persisted since 2023.
Peel police data indicates that from Jan. 1 to July 14, a combined 3,900 vehicle thefts were reported across both cities—1,948 in Mississauga and 1,942 in Brampton. In addition to those numbers, there was one incident each in Halton, Oakville, and Vaughan, as well as seven incidents in Toronto.
This works out to an average of approximately 21 thefts or more per day in the region.
As of today (July 14), 97 of the stolen vehicle cases have been solved, 3,027 are still being investigated and 776 are deemed unsolved.
Of these stolen vehicles, 2,738 were automobiles (cars), 1,079 trucks, 49 motorcycles and 34 were simply listed as “others.”
The following map shows where this past month’s auto thefts took place:
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Peel Regional Police data also highlights 12 common hotspots where 30 or more vehicles have been stolen:
- Airport Road—86 occurrences
- Ambler Drive—35 occurrences
- Britannia Road—35 occurrences
- City Centre Drive—75 occurrences
- Courtneypark Drive—40 occurrences
- Derry Road —39 occurrences
- Dixie Road —107 occurrences
- Great Lakes Drive —200 occurrences
- Mississauga Road—30 occurrences
- Rutherford Road —30 occurrences
- Terminal Three Road —30 occurrences
- Viscount Road —30 occurrences
Compared to the same time last year (Jan. 1 – July 14, 2023), the number of vehicle thefts in Mississauga and Brampton stood significantly higher at 4,320 incidents. Those numbers continued to increase monthly, totalling a whopping 7,637 car thefts by the end of 2023.
The good news is that car thefts are down by 9 per cent compared to last year. However, despite the slight decrease in these crimes, the continued monthly reports of vehicle thefts well into the hundreds could cause fear and safety concerns among residents.
Additionally, insights into the patterns of car thefts reveal that certain areas are more vulnerable than others, prompting local residents to take extra precautions.
This past month, a notable auto theft incident involved police recovering $800,000 worth of luxury vehicles that had been stolen in Brampton. The incident led investigators to a Mississauga shipping yard where the autos were being shipped overseas.
Peel police have shared helpful tips to prevent residents from falling victim to auto thefts:
- if possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage, as most vehicles have been stolen from driveways.
- use a steering wheel lock. It will also act as a visible deterrent.
- install a lock on the data port. This simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the computer port where the thieves gain access to reprogram the vehicle’s keys.
- consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system. Ensure cameras are properly placed and functioning for day and night use. Familiarize yourself with the system so it can be reviewed and accessed immediately.