More than $2,800,000 in stolen vehicles seized, Brampton man charged as police shut down car theft ring

Dozens of stolen vehicles worth millions of dollars have been recovered along with police scanners, vehicle master keys and car theft tools, leading to charges for a man from Brampton.

Back in May, investigators with the York Regional Police began looking into an increase in stolen vehicles across York Region and the Greater Toronto area.

Teaming up with Peel Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police, investigators were able to identify three suspects believed to be operating a vehicle theft ring.

Police served eight search warrants and recovered 31 stolen vehicles valued at approximately 2.8 million dollars. Officers also seized $30,000 dollars in cash, police scanner devices, key re-programmers and more than 100 master keys.

A photo of a trailer searched by York Regional Police during the investigation. Photo: York Regional Police

Some 83 combined charges were laid against three people by York Regional Police, and an additional 80 charges were laid by Peel Regional Police.

Jasman Pannu, 21, of Brampton has been charged along with 24-year-old Ranvir Saggi and 23-year-old Kuljeet Singh Sivia, both of Richmond Hill. The charges include theft of a motor vehicle, possession of an automobile master key, and trafficking in property obtained by crime.

The investigation is ongoing and police are urging vehicle owners to take steps to protect against thieves involved in “relay thefts” and “reprogramming thefts.”

“Thieves typically gain entry into vehicles by lock manipulation or by electronic means,” police said. “Once inside, an electronic device is connected to a port below the dashboard and it programs the vehicle to accept a new key.”

The entire process can take only a few minutes and once the new key is programmed, the vehicle will start and the thieves can drive it away.

Here are some tips to help prevent your vehicles from being stolen:

• If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage
• 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 nighttime use. Familiarize yourself with the system so it can be reviewed and accessed quickly

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact the York Regional Police by calling 1-866-876-5423 ext.6651. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.