Mississauga, Ontario- Public Safety Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have announced a significant enhancement in their efforts to combat auto theft. The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, revealed the deployment of a mobile X-ray scanner to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This advanced technology will boost the examination capabilities for containers in Ontario.
This deployment is part of the National Action Plan Combatting Auto Theft, aimed at disrupting, dismantling, and prosecuting organized criminal groups involved in auto theft. The Canadian government is committed to exploring innovative solutions and identifying the most efficient methods to intercept stolen vehicles, including the use of non-intrusive inspection technology for examinations and seizures.
Auto theft has a significant impact on Canadians, particularly in urban centers, with organized crime groups increasingly using the proceeds to fund other illegal activities. Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach. Through national leadership and collaboration among governments, industry, and law enforcement, the Government of Canada is making progress and is dedicated to building on these efforts.
Border services officers perform daily export examinations, selecting containers of interest for secondary inspection at docks or warehouses. The CBSA acts on all referrals from the police and conducts its own intelligence-based searches. In 2024 alone, the CBSA has intercepted over 1,300 stolen vehicles in railyards and ports, including 452 in the GTA.