FROM: Corporate Communications
DATE: May 26, 2025
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE TEAM UP WITH ÉQUITÉ ASSOCIATION TO COMBAT AUTO THEFT
(INNISFIL/BRADFORD, ON) – The South Simcoe Police Service in collaboration with Équité Association, a not-for-profit organization working to eliminate insurance crime on behalf of the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry, are joining forces to combat and prevent auto thefts.
This initiative follows the Government of Ontario, Ministry of the Solicitor General’s announcement of the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant investment that will fund 21 projects across the province to support new and enhanced crime-fighting measures that focus on prevention, detection, analysis and enforcement.
The South Simcoe Police Service, together with the Barrie Police Service will receive $1,800,000 from 2023 to 2026 to help combat and prevent auto thefts in the region. The PAT grant is one of several measures underway to fight auto theft, and Équité will play a crucial role in support of this partnership. Through data and analytics, vehicle identification, officer training and coordinated investigations, the collaboration aims to eradicate insurance fraud and auto theft. To mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of auto theft, Équité recommends using a layered approach including simple steps like keeping doors locked, installing visible or audible anti-theft devices, using vehicle immobilizers, and investing in tracking systems.
“Auto theft has reached crisis levels in this country. Organized crime networks continue to look at stolen vehicles in Canada as a low-risk/high-reward opportunity, regardless if the vehicles are for export or domestic sale. These crimes hurt our communities and put Canadians at risk. While recent auto theft declines are encouraging, we recognize that this remains a complex issue requiring ongoing collaboration. Équité Association commends the efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the South Simcoe Police Service, in addressing this problem. By working together, we can create safer communities for everyone.” – Betty Ng, Director, Investigations, Ontario & ICSS, Équité Association
“This collaborative effort is just one of the ways our service is working to prevent auto theft and ensure our communities know that we are actively working to secure their vehicles and enhance community safety.” – John Van Dyke, Chief of Police, South Simcoe Police Service
Photo from L-R: Betty Ng, Director, Équité Association, South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke
Tips can be submitted anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or you can submit information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, you will remain anonymous, you will not testify in court, and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2000.00.
– 30 –
