by Hello Asia News team
Mississauga, Ontario – June 2024: In a significant move to curb the rising issue of auto theft, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, has announced the deployment of a mobile X-ray scanner in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This advanced technology aims to enhance the examination of containers in Ontario and is a crucial part of the National Action Plan Combatting Auto Theft.
Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs of Canada
Key Highlights:
- Technological Advancement: The mobile X-ray scanner will boost the capabilities of border services officers in detecting stolen vehicles before they are exported out of the country. This initiative is expected to disrupt organized crime groups involved in auto theft.
- National Action Plan: As part of the broader National Action Plan Combatting Auto Theft, this deployment signifies the Government of Canada’s commitment to dismantling and prosecuting the organized criminal groups behind these thefts.
- Significant Impact: Since the start of 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has intercepted over 1,300 stolen vehicles, with 452 recoveries in the GTA alone. The addition of the X-ray scanner is anticipated to further increase these numbers.
Statements from Key Officials:
Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety: “The addition of this scanner in the GTA will provide border services officers with an additional tool to detect stolen vehicles before they can leave the country. We’ll keep taking action to crack down on auto theft and the organized crime groups behind it.”
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness: “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.”
Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board: “To protect the safety and security of Canadians, we are kicking into gear federal strategies to stop auto-theft. By utilizing advanced technology to improve container inspections here in the GTA and across the country, we are helping to break up organized crime networks and intercept stolen vehicles.”
Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities: “Our Government is taking real leadership to stop auto-theft, here in Brampton and across the country. With this new X-ray scanning technology, we will be able to intercept even more stolen vehicles.”
Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario: “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.”
Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton: “This tool will significantly aid in our ongoing efforts to combat the scourge of auto thefts in Brampton. My recent visit to the Port of Newark with Peel Regional Police highlighted the effectiveness of advanced scanning technologies in preventing the export of stolen vehicles.”
Lisa Janes, Regional Director General (GTA), CBSA: “The deployment of this technology will further support our collective enforcement efforts.”
Mike Duheme, Commissioner of the RCMP: “Auto theft is a serious crime that directly affects the safety of our communities. The RCMP is fully engaged with our domestic and international partners to disrupt and combat auto theft.”
Fast Facts:
- The CRTF is a joint task force comprising the RCMP, OPP, CBSA, and the Ontario Ministry of Finance.
- The CBSA has intercepted over 1,300 stolen vehicles in 2024, including 452 in the GTA.
- The deployment of the mobile X-ray scanner is part of the National Action Plan Combatting Auto Theft.
Stay tuned to Hello Asia News for further updates on this story.
