As part of Canada’s National Action Plan Combatting Auto Theft, the government has deployed mobile X-ray scanning technology for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc said the arrival of the scanner (pictured) in the GTA will provide border services officers – who perform daily export examinations and choose containers for further inspection – with an additional tool to detect stolen vehicles before they can exit the country.
“We’ll keep taking action to crack down on auto theft and the organized crime groups behind it,” Minister LeBlanc declared.
This year, the Canada Border Services Agency has already intercepted over 1,300 stolen vehicles at railyards and ports, including 452 in the GTA.
Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, stated when the scanner deployment was announced: “We’re taking a significant step forward in our work to combat auto theft in Ontario.
“By harnessing cutting-edge technology to enhance container examinations, we’re bolstering our ability to disrupt and dismantle organized criminal groups. We remain committed to leveraging the most effective methods to intercept stolen vehicles and keep our communities safe.”
Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario, said: “Auto theft is a serious and often violent crime that cannot be tolerated. The government of Ontario has long advocated for enhanced measures on our streets and in our ports and rail yards to help curb the trade of stolen vehicles.
“New X-ray scanners are needed at our critical rail yards and ports to stop the illegal export of stolen cars from Ontario and Canada."
Following the government’s announcement, Insurance Bureau of Canada president and chief executive Celyeste Power said: “We commend the federal government for the deployment of a mobile X-ray scanner to the GTA. Placing greater emphasis on inspecting shipping containers before they leave the country is crucial for disrupting the market for stolen vehicles.
“Auto theft has reached crisis levels in Canada and in particular in Ontario, with auto theft claims reaching historic levels in 2023, at $1.5 billion nationally and $1 billion in Ontario. We continue to encourage the federal government to implement all recommendations within its national action plan on combatting auto theft.”
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