Police services across Ontario are getting an injection of cash to help them fight auto theft.
At a news conference Friday morning, Premier Doug Ford announced $18 million in funding that will be paid out over three years. According to the province, the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) grant will provide funding for 21 projects that feature "new and enhanced crime-fighting measures focused on prevention, detection, analysis and enforcement."
The money is to be spent on things like surveillance equipment, specialized training for police officers, new units dedicated to auto theft, and expanding data collection on organized crime activity.
“This investment will help our police services crack down on the growing problem of auto theft, dismantle organized crime networks and get these criminals off the streets and behind bars where they belong,” said Premier Doug Ford.
Solicitor General Michadel Kerzner says a vehicle is stolen in Ontario every 14 minutes.
"This grant will enable police services to work with key partners to enhance knowledge and resources, improve investigations and gather evidence to hold criminals accountable,” he added.
Some of the police services receiving funding include:
London Police Service - $900,000
St. Thomas Police Service - $608,767
Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service - $266,049
Windsor Police Service - $899,750
Chatham-Kent Police Service - $879,884
OPP Perth County Detachment - $860,579
