The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Auto Theft Task Force has completed an investigation with multiple arrests, including one suspect who was wanted for murder.
While investigating the theft of a pickup truck in Georgetown, officers learned the suspects were staying at an Airbnb in Milton and using a rented Hyundai Elantra to steal vehicles in the area. In the early hours of March 2, 2023, HRPS officers located and arrested 3 suspects at a gas station in Mississauga.
At the time of the arrest police seized a loaded handgun, a large machete style knife, and tools used in the commission of reprogramming-style vehicle thefts (see attached photo).
An 18-year-old male of Quebec has been charged with:
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Possession of Automobile Master Key
Possession of Break in Instruments
Possession of Device to Obtain Computer Services
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
Careless use of Firearm
Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
Fail to Comply – Release Order
Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order
Possession of Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
This suspect was also wanted for First Degree Murder in the province of Quebec.
A 19-year-old male of Quebec has been charged with:
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Possession of Automobile Master Key
Possession of Break in Instruments
Possession of Device to Obtain Computer Services
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
Breach of Prohibition Order
Breach of Release Order
This suspect was also wanted by the O.P.P. for auto theft related offences.
A 19-year-old male of Quebec has been charged with:
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Possession of Automobile Master Key
Possession of Break in Instruments
Possession of Device to Obtain Computer Services
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
Breach of Release Order (2 counts)
This suspect was also wanted by Durham Regional Police for auto theft related offences.
All three suspects were held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton. Due to the ages of the suspects at the time previous offences were committed, police will not be identifying any of the accused.
The HRPS is applying significant resources to investigate auto theft occurrences however crime prevention is a shared responsibility. Please call 911 if you witness a crime in progress or if you see suspicious persons/vehicles in your neighbourhood.
There are some measures that residents can take to decrease the chance of the vehicle being stolen:
Park your vehicle in a locked garage
Block the exit of a potential target vehicle with a second vehicle parked behind it
Install and on-board diagnostic blocker/protector
Install a steering wheel lock device
Install an aftermarket GPS tracking device
Install home security cameras on the exterior of the residence
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Regional Auto Theft Task Force at 905-825-4777 ext. 3407.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
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