Car thefts are down in Mississauga and Brampton, and Peel’s police chief wants to keep the numbers going in that direction.

The number of auto thefts has decreased from 3,089 (Jan. 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025) to 2,790 during the same six-month period in 2026, Peel Regional Police numbers show.

“We have made significant steps in addressing the ongoing threat of auto theft in our communities, and it’s critical that we keep our foot on the gas,” Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said Monday. “With proper resourcing, we can continue to mobilize specialized teams to pursue complex investigations and dismantle the criminal networks operating across the region and beyond.”

Duraiappah’s comments came as he and other Peel officials hosted Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner Monday morning at police headquarters in Mississauga.

Kerzner was in town to announce additional provincial funding for Peel Regional Police and other law enforcement agencies across Ontario in the battle against auto theft.

“Auto theft is down across Ontario because our government is making it a priority and is giving police the tools and resources they need to go after the organized criminals who are behind it,” said Kerzner. “While we are seeing real progress, we will not let up. That is why we are doubling down, further investing in our police services and supporting their work to disrupt criminal networks and protect Ontario families and communities.”

Government officials said in a news release that since providing $51 million over the past three years to support initiatives like the Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program, the Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team, and the Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team, “motor vehicle theft is declining in Ontario.”

According to Équité Association’s 2025 auto trend report, vehicle thefts in Ontario declined in 2025 to 19,319, compared to a peak of 30,134 in 2023, a reduction of 36 per cent.

Équité Association is a Canadian not-for-profit group that works to reduce and prevent insurance fraud and crime.

Last 30 Days: 54,839 Votes

All Time: 1,543,849 Votes

264 VOTES
What have you cut back on the most because of the cost of living?

Kerzner announced Monday morning the province is providing an additional $6 million via the 2026-27 Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program to 22 police projects in Ontario.

Included in that amount is $300,000 for Peel police “to strengthen their Commercial Auto Crime Bureau, which supports dedicated investigators, specialized training, public education initiatives, advanced investigative equipment and participation in provincial auto-theft summits and intelligence-sharing forums,” the province said in Monday’s news release.

Since 2023, Peel police have received $1.2 million in funding through the Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program.

Duraiappah thanked the provincial government “for supporting our efforts to protect our communities, recover stolen vehicles and hold offenders accountable.”

Mississauga-Streetsville MPP Nina Tangri, also on hand Monday at police headquarters, noted the province’s support of police forces in battling car thefts is a top priority and keeps “families and communities safe.”

Tangri added the $300,000 “will give Peel Regional Police additional tools and resources to combat auto theft, strengthen investigations and disrupt organized crime.”

Statistics revealed Monday also show 8,796 vehicles were stolen in the province in the first half of 2026, compared to 9,601 during the same period last year.


INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies

Stay in the know.

Subscribe now to receive our daily email of today’s top stories in your city!