502 cars stolen over 31 days in Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario

Auto theft crimes have continued to be a significant issue in Mississauga and Brampton, with over 500 incidents reported in the last 31 days, marking the second consecutive month with such high numbers.

Peel police data indicates that from May 8 to June 8, a combined 502 vehicle thefts were reported across both cities—250 in Mississauga, 251 in Brampton and one was listed as Halton Hills near Winston Churchill Boulevard.

This works out to approximately 16 thefts or more per day in the region.

As of today (June 8), only eight stolen vehicle cases have been successfully solved, 466 are still being investigated, and 28 are deemed unsolved.

Of these stolen vehicles, 341 were automobiles (cars), 149 trucks, seven motorcycles, and five were simply listed as “other.”

The following map shows where this past month’s auto thefts took place:

Peel Regional Police data highlights this month’s six most common hotspots for these car thefts:

• Airport Road —13 occurrences
• City Centre Drive—10 occurrences
• Derry Road—10 occurrences
• Dixie Road — 11 occurrences
• Great Lakes Drive—26 occurrences
• Viscount Road—10 occurrences

Around the same time last year (May 7 to June 8), 684 vehicles were stolen, continuing the upward trend throughout the year to a total of 7,637 stolen vehicles by the end of 2023. 

Subsequently, there was a gradual drop in March 2024, with 506 incidents.

In April, 497 cases were reported, representing a 1.78% decline from March and marking the lowest count since 2023. However, May saw an uptick in stolen vehicles of approximately 9.3%.

This rollercoaster pattern continues this month, with a 7.5% decrease in auto thefts.

The recent decline may relieve residents, but despite Peel Regional Police’s efforts, crime of this nature remains problematic, with numbers well into the hundreds each month.

Additionally, insights into the patterns of car thefts reveal that certain areas are more vulnerable than others, prompting local residents to take extra precautions.

A notable story from this past month involved the theft of 369 vehicles in Mississauga and Brampton worth approximately $33 million, leading to charges against 16 individuals and warrants issued for 10 more.

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.