Approximately half of the vehicles recovered were stolen from Hamilton, while the rest of the vehicles were taken from across the GTA. Although the criminal network was active in Hamilton, the group operated beyond the city.
Hamilton Police continue to work collaboratively with other policing partners to tackle the rise in auto theft. According to Equite Association, more than 57,000 private passenger vehicles were stolen in Canada last year, down from over 70,000 in 2023. These concentrated law enforcement efforts are making a difference.
In Hamilton, 1612 vehicles were stolen last year.
In 2024, Hamilton Police received monies from the Ministry of the Solicitor General to address auto thefts. The successful completion of this lengthy investigation was also made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported the investigation.
Project Polar Bear investigators are collaborating closely with the Provincial Asset Forfeiture unit on all property seized and investigated during the project, as well as working with the Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team from the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Hamilton Police would also like to thank Halton Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service, OPP, and Waterloo Regional Police for their assistance during the project.
The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be pending. If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime, you are asked to contact Detective Emerson Heaslip at [email protected].
To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.
About Équité Association
As the national authority on insurance crime and fraud prevention, Équité Association is a not-for-profit, national organization, supporting Canadian property and casualty (P&C) insurers. Équité combats the insurance crime problem that takes advantage of vulnerable Canadians by deploying advanced analytics, intelligence best practices, and coordinated investigations. Delivering improved service and fraud analytics for vehicle, property, and cargo recovery to its members, Équité collaborates with law enforcement, partners and industry organizations to protect Canadians against exploitation. Learn more about Équité Association at https://www.equiteassociation.com/.