DURHAM REGION-A joint police investigation has resulted in the seizure of more than $2.5 million in stolen vehicles and 11 people arrested.
Project Redstart was a month-long investigation led by Durham Regional Police Sservice West and East Division Criminal Investigations Bureaus with the assistance of the Gatineau Police Service and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Project Redstart began in November 2022 and targeted organized vehicle theft networks, originating from the Montreal area, and operating throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Project Redstart was initiated because of the high number of vehicle thefts occurring daily within the Durham community according to police.
The team arrested 11 individuals, laid 55 charges and seized a total of 33 vehicles. No names were released.
The DRPS would like to remind the public that while our investigators are working diligently to address the vehicle thefts in our community, there are preventative measures vehicle owners can take to deter thieves.
While there is no guaranteed prevention against vehicle theft, you can take the following precautions provided by police:
• Always ensure your vehicle is locked and take the keys with you
• Always park in a well lit area and/or locked garage
• Never leave an unattended vehicle running with keys inside
• Consider anti-theft devices, such a as steering wheel lock or collar
• Never hide a spare key inside your vehicle or outside your home
• When not in use, place your key fob inside a radio frequency shielding pouch (Faraday Bag) to block cell signals
• Never place/hang or leave keys directly inside the front door or near windows
• Consider placing keys on your bedside table, as long as it’s not near a window The key fob can also be activated as an alert alarm, if you hear or see suspicious activity outside your home at night
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact Det. Barkwell of Central West Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2562.
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
