Police seize over 200 vehicles in $17M alleged organized vehicle theft ring

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More than 200 vehicles valued at more than $17 million in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have been recovered by York Regional Police.

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Police say 150 charges have been laid against several organized vehicle theft groups as part of an ongoing investigation known as Project Touchdown. Fifty-one people have been arrested.

Project Touchdown was a joint investigation and included officers from Peel Regional Police, the Durham Regional Police Service, the Halton Regional Police Service, the Canada Border Services Agency and Équité Association, and assistance from CP and CN rail police.

The investigation, which spanned six months, saw the recovery of 215 vehicles valued at approximately $17.4 million. Police also say that weapons and drugs were also seized during the investigation.

York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween said vehicle thefts have increased more than 44 per cent over last year.