The Preventative Auto Theft (PAT) grant program, funded by the federal government, provides funding for police projects and enables regional departments to access resources and equipment required for tracking down organized crime.
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) received $900,000 in 2023 to combat auto theft. The money allowed DRPS to develop auto theft unit Project Attire, designed to support new and enhanced crime-fighting measures, and Project Carbon, the overall investigation.
On March 27, 2025, members of Project Attire successfully tracked down and arrested 11 suspects in an organized auto theft scheme. Beginning the investigation in January through Project Carbon, officers were able to identify the suspects and 20 vehicles.
In November 2023, the Ontario government announced it would be investing $18 million over three years through the Preventative Auto Theft (PAT) Grant.
“This investment will help our police services crack down on the growing problem of auto theft, dismantle organized crime networks and get these criminals off the streets and behind bars where they belong,” said Premier Doug Ford, in a news release.
This program was put in place to fund 21 projects, including Project Carbon and Project Attire, that specifically target auto theft. Funding enabled specialized training, resources, new units, expansion of data and analysis, and partnerships.
“Project Carbon is proof that our investments are working. Thanks to the Preventing Auto Theft Grant, officers successfully dismantled a major criminal operation, recovered stolen vehicles, and delivered justice,” said Associate Minister Zee Hamid, according to DRPS.ca.
As of 2024, the most stolen vehicles in Ontario are the Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander. According to Excalibur Insurance, 2,852 Lexus RX vehicles were stolen in 2022, while 2,838 Toyota Highlanders were stolen in the same year.
Lucky Hayer, product adviser at Whitby Toyota, shared that prices for used Toyotas have risen due to the demand.
“People want to go from traditional gas motor to hybrid motor. The wait time is longer for any gas car,” said Hayer. The typical wait time for a hybrid is at least one year.
Lexus Canada declined to comment on the trends and changes in sales.
Although the fight against auto theft is ongoing, 2025 has shown a gradual decrease in reports. In January 2025, Durham Regional Police received 101 reports of auto-related crimes, a decrease from the 104 in January 2024 and 120 in January 2023.
Durham Regional Police suggest taking extra precaution to ensure the safety of your vehicle. This includes taking car keys with you when leaving the vehicle and considering anti-theft devices (for example, a steering lock).
Police encourage vehicle owners to remain mindful of organized auto theft as investigations continue.