Auto theft in Peel
 

 Mike Pigeau introduced Detective Constable Greg Oconnor, an expert on Auto and Cargo theft for the Peel Region Police.
Vehicle crime and auto thefts in Peel Region is the focus of the talk.
  1. 87000 vehicles stolen and a reported year over year increase in the number of stolen vehicles in the Region of Peel. The 2018 CRV is the top vehicle stolen.
    1. Increase in relay thefts, the thieves reprogram your car keys at night
    2. Vehicles are shipped overseas, used in car races
  2. It’s important to take a look at the whether your vehicle is susceptible to theft
  3. Brampton has a high accident and motor vehicle theft rate hence the effort for reduction as this is the reason for high insurance rates
  4. Tips to protect your car
    1. Lock your car and never leave your spare keys in the car
    2. Don’t leave your car running unattended
    3. Don’t leave your keys unattended or at the front of your house, a thief is able to get to your fob then they can reprogram your keys
    4. Don’t leave valuables in your car: laptops, cell phones, expensive sunglasses
    5. There is an increase in smash and grab i.e., break into the car to get ownership etc
    6. Install something like the Club to lock your steering wheels
    7. Install a security system or a tracking device
    8. Park in a well-lit area where possible
    9. Use your emergency break to prevent movement from tow trucks
More About Detective Oconnor
  1. Working in the auto crime unit since 2017, with a focus on auto and CARGO theft.  The region is the third largest theft ring in the world when it comes to cargo theft. The unit is extremely busy dealing with recovery (rate for auto 66%), insurance companies and advise on getting improvements in recovery.
  2. Favorite part of the job: loves working with the community and educating folks on how to protect themselves and prevent vehicle theft.
 
        Questions
  1. How do you work to bring the cars back from abroad: *** Work closely with shipping agencies, Interpol and other foreign governments to have the vehicles repatriated back. There is a high success rate in getting back the vehicles the important fact is that the countries do partner positively to help the process
  2. What is the success rate of taking down the syndicates, 90% rate? ***A lot of success working with the countries. The whistleblowers \ freight forwarder and just general public provide tips that help with crime solving. This process is greatly helped by community relationships
  3. Any Tips for people in condos: Nothing in more than the tips given before so follow the general rules
  4. Impact of car theft: 8/10 k per vehicle.