Renewed efforts to curb rising auto thefts and what you can do

A steering wheel is pictured in this file image. (CTV News)

York Regional Police are stepping up efforts once again to curb auto thefts through the latest phase of a community safety campaign.

Police say the initiative, now in its third year, is designed to target vehicle thefts across the region - a crime trend that continues to rise in many parts of the GTA.

Through ‘Operation Auto Guard 3.0′ officers will focus on proactive enforcement, technology-driver investigations, and public awareness to help keep residents’ vehicles safe.

Police remind residents prevention starts at home.

Authorities urge vehicle owners to take extra precautions, like avoiding leaving valuables inside their cars and ensuring the doors are always locked. They recommend installing a GPS tracking device or kill switch as an added layer of protection.

Police also advise residents to invest in outdoor surveillance cameras for their property and to use a steering wheel lock as a visible deterrent to thieves. Keep key fobs in a Faraday bag, which is a special pouch designed to block the signal and prevent thieves from using relay devices to unlock and start vehicles remotely.

Whenever possible, police suggest parking vehicles in a locked garage.

York Regional Police say the campaign builds on the success of previous enforcement projects, which they say led to dozens of arrests, hundreds of charges, and the recovery of stolen vehicles in 2024.

Police say organized crime networks are often behind these thefts, and working together with the public is the key to stopping them as their methods become more sophisticated.