Carjackings and auto thefts are declining in Mississauga and Brampton, but police say they’re as vigilant as ever in stamping out such crimes because of the violence they bring to neighbourhoods across the region.

In revealing details earlier this week about 10 arrests made in connection with nearly two dozen brazen carjackings and high-end vehicle thefts in Mississauga, Brampton and Toronto, Peel Regional Police said an alleged “violent criminal network” terrorized and injured numerous victims during the incidents.

Peel police brass said Mississauga and Brampton residents — and those from other nearby cities — were going about their normal daily routines when they were suddenly confronted by individuals who were quick to use violence as a means to their end.

Violent carjackings unfold quickly

In one case, a man was carjacked shortly after leaving a community centre where he’d been playing a game of organized hockey.

He was confronted by culprits on his way home and “the nature of the carjacking was so violent” that he had to be hospitalized, Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said.

Another incident, which was caught on video surveillance footage, showed a man being physically attacked as he left a business because the culprits wanted his Rolls-Royce.

“This video demonstrates the violence used in these offences and the danger faced by the victims, and how quickly these incidents can occur and escalate,” said Det. Sgt. Earl Scott, of the Peel police central robbery squad.

Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich, flanked by Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah, speaks to the media earlier this week.

Peel police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich noted carjackings and high-end auto thefts committed by organized criminal networks are not random.

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“These offenders plan their crimes, plan for victims and use fear and violence to protect profit that they hope to generate,” he said.

“This (type of) crime brings violence, fear and real harm into our communities. People shouldn’t have to worry about carjackings, stray bullets, violence in their neighbourhood.”

Duraiappah added the carjacking victims related to the latest investigation, which was conducted by Peel police and various other police forces in the GTA, were simply “going through the course of their average day, whether they be out for groceries, in a parking lot, at an intersection. They’re just like all of our families and everybody that’s on their way to carry out a peaceful life.”

Safety being compromised by violent crime

The police chief further noted the violence associated with the carjackings “adds to this feeling … that our safety is now compromised here in this beautiful country and region.”

So, Duraiappah said, “we have to be relentless at pursuing criminals. Organized crime knows no borders.”

Peel Regional Police numbers show incidents of carjackings and auto thefts have declined significantly the past couple of years.

Duraiappah said 2023 represented the “peak” for number of car thefts in Peel. The rate of such thefts in Mississauga and Brampton that year was among the highest, per capita, in North America, he noted.

Since then, “we’ve seen a 50 per cent reduction in auto thefts,” the police chief said, including a 10 per cent drop in the past year.

Duraiappah added Peel has also seen a 64 per cent reduction in carjackings.

“These are significant trends and the public needs to know we’re heading the right way, but … one incident is one too many,” he said. “While we are making progress, more work needs to be done. Behind every theft or carjacking is not just the victim, (but) a family, business community and broader community, and a sense of safety that is being impacted. And it’s being impacted by criminal networks … involved in carjackings, shootings, extortions, firearms offences.”

Duraiappah further noted the community has let Peel police know “that something needs to be done.

“We are focused on disrupting these networks and it remains a constant priority,” he added.


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