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HomeNewsOntario Fighting Auto Theft And Organized Crime With New Police Helicopters

Ontario Fighting Auto Theft And Organized Crime With New Police Helicopters

ONTARIO-The Ontario government is investing $134 million to purchase five new police helicopters for use in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa to aid in the fight against organized crime and vehicle theft. Equipped with the latest technology, officials hope the helicopters will help keep highways and roadways safe from violent carjackings, auto theft, street racing and impaired driving.

“Our government is making the necessary investments to ensure that police services have the tools and resources they need to crack down on auto theft and car thieves,” said Premier Doug Ford. “From implementing new technologies and innovative policing strategies to tackling guns and gangs and getting more boots on the ground, we’ll do whatever it takes to put the criminals behind bars and keep our communities safe.”

As part of a new Joint Air Support Unit, the Ontario Provincial Police will acquire two new H135 helicopters to provide support to Ottawa and Toronto Police Services. In addition, three helicopters will be procured, owned and operated by Durham, Halton and Peel Regional Police Services to support current patrols and improve response times.

“Criminal networks have become more sophisticated, but so have we,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “In Ontario, a car is stolen every 14 minutes—this is completely unacceptable. These helicopters will be a critical tool in helping police stay one step ahead of the criminals who are stealing cars and committing crimes on our streets.”

The investment in new helicopters was announced in the 2024 Ontario Budget and builds on the province’s $51 million investment to support the OPP’s Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team and Ontario’s Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team.

“Air support is an extremely effective law enforcement and public safety tool that significantly enhances the capacity of the police to detect crime, disrupt criminal activity, safely apprehend offenders and assist vulnerable missing persons. The establishment of the Joint Air Support Unit and the expansion of OPP Aviation Services will contribute greatly to the safety of our communities and the security of our province.” said Thomas Carrique
Commissioner, Ontario Provincial Police.

 

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