Since last year's inaugural provincial auto theft summit, auto thefts have continued to rise in Ontario, as have instances of violence related to them, police say. Auto industry reps say they're only part of the solution, and addressing organized crime through law enforcement is key.A technician installs an auto immobilizer in a vehicle. Industry reps say anti-theft tech can only prevent theft, and stronger enforcement efforts are needed to address Ontario's car theft crisis.
"It's a very, very competitive arms race," said Huw Williams, representing the Canadian Auto Dealers Association. Violence attached to auto theft has been on the rise, police say. Carjackings in Toronto are double what they were this time last year, according to Toronto police chief Myron Demkiw. The Toronto Police Service also reports home invasions related to auto theftJustice minister says door is open to tougher penalties for auto theft
Police chiefs from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area on a panel at the Ontario auto-theft summit. In a joint conference, police said government, law enforcement and the auto industry must collaborate to address the auto-theft crisis.