Police in Ontario, Quebec arrest 34 people in connection to auto thefts in 'Project Volcano'

Auto theft crackdown Police say 34 people have been arrested as part of 'Operation Volcano.' CTV's Katelyn Wilson has the details.

Police in Ontario and Quebec arrested 34 suspects in the Montreal area this week, as part of a "major interprovincial operation" focusing on auto thefts across Ontario.

Ontario Provincial Police worked with the Sûreté du Québec and Montreal police as part of 'Project Volcano,' arresting individuals wanted in connection to auto thefts between March 2019 and March 2023.

"We are seeing a trend where individuals are offending in Ontario while residing in Quebec," OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns told reporters in Hawkesbury, Ont. on Friday.

"In all of the cases brought before you today, suspects were apprehended by the OPP. After charges were laid, the accused failed to appear for court purposes or violated their release conditions, resulting in warrants being issued for their arrests. 'Project Volcano' was an initiative to bring these such individuals before the courts."

Police say the OPP, Sûreté du Québec and Montreal police arrested 34 suspects between Tuesday and Thursday this week in Montreal and the surrounding area, while eight accused were arrested prior to takedown. Twelve of the outstanding suspects are currently detained in Quebec correctional facilities, according to police.

Many of the suspects are accused of additional offences under the Criminal Code, Cannabis Act, Highway Traffic Act and Youth Criminal Justice Act. Police say several individuals face "serious charges," including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from peace officer.

"In some instances, stolen vehicles were operated by young people who did not possess a driver's license," the OPP said in a statement.

Ontario Provincial Police say between 2021 and 2023, there has been a 206 per cent increase in violent carjackings and home invasions. Since October 2023, 121 people have been arrested in connection to vehicle thefts, Kearns said.

In the past seven weeks, the OPP says almost 3,000 vehicles have been stolen across Ontario.

"Auto theft is impacting Ontarians at an unprecedented rate," Kearns said on Friday.

"What is also concerning is the speed with which criminals are able to steal vehicles, often using methods to defeat existing anti-theft technology."