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Toronto Crime Stoppers and Toronto Police announce auto theft awareness campaign

Aug. 22, 2024, Toronto, Ont. – Toronto Crime Stoppers’ Chair Sean Sportun was recently joined by Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw, Insp. Joseph Matys of the Hold-Up Squad, and several police and industry partners to launch an Auto Theft Awareness Campaign.

The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness about the growing impact of auto theft within our communities. It also aims to deter criminality by educating and encouraging members of the public to report information about auto thefts and other forms of criminality anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

“The number of auto thefts, including carjackings and home invasion auto thefts, along with the increased violence, threats, and use of weapons in the commission of these crimes continue to be a source of significant community concern in Toronto and across the country,” said Chief Demkiw. “In addition to dedicating a significant amount of resources to this issue, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and private sector stakeholders to address this complex and very serious community safety issue.”

During the campaign, Toronto Crime Stoppers is offering an enhanced cash reward of up to $5,000 for any information that can assist investigators in identifying and arresting those responsible for auto thefts in Toronto.

The enhanced cash reward will be valid for verified and approved information provided to Toronto Crime Stoppers from Aug. 20 to Sep. 30, 2024. This initiative was made possible thanks to the ongoing partnership and support from the Toronto Police Service Board, the Toronto Police Service, and community stakeholders.

“The Toronto Police Hold Up Squad now has the ability to provide a robust response to victims of these auto crimes, and assist our divisions in returning officers to frontline duties,” said Hold-Up Squad Inspector Joseph Matys. “By working together with our residents, law enforcement and industry partners, we can make it harder for criminals to victimize communities and work toward a safer Toronto.”

Sportun concluded with, “Toronto Crime Stoppers remains resilient in our efforts to combat crime issues in our city while continuously exploring ways to enhance the safety for our citizens. This proactive approach to creating awareness on auto theft is a testament to improving the safety of the community we serve and works to empower a movement towards a crime-free Toronto.”