Federal government highlights range of anti-auto theft measures [Video]

Federal ministers on Monday highlighted a series of measures to combat auto theft that they’re pitching as a “national action plan.”

The measures, announced at an event in Brampton, Ont., include a number of provisions the government previously announced and some that have already been incorporated in budget legislation working its way through Parliament.

“In recent years we have seen an overwhelming and frankly unacceptable increase in auto theft across the country and especially right here in Ontario, in the GTA,” said Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland during the event.

The federal government held a national summit on auto theft in Ottawa in February. Auto theft has been a rising problem in the country, with insurance costs stemming from thefts increasing to more than $1 billion in 2022.

Federal ministers highlighted additional funding for law enforcement agencies, as well as legislative changes that would create new penalties for auto theft connected to organized crime, for involving a young person in auto theft …