Four Peel residents have been arrested following an investigation dubbed ‘Project Raptor’.
Investigators from the Halton Regional Police Service – 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau and Toronto Police Major Crime were involved in a month long multi-jurisdictional investigation. This resulted in the recovery of 20 stolen vehicles worth over $1.5 million. Four suspects were arrested as a result of their involvement in this organized auto theft ring.
It is alleged the suspects would gain entry to the vehicle through force allowing them access to the vehicle’s ‘On Board Diagnostic Port’ (OBD). From there, the suspects utilized key programming devices to program a new key fob. The thefts occurred across Halton, Peel and Toronto. The vehicles targeted were newer model Jeeps and Ford F-150s. It is believed that these vehicles were slated to be loaded into shipping containers to export them overseas to Middle Eastern countries.
On Tuesday, March 29th investigators arrested four persons involved in this auto theft ring and subsequently executed two residential search warrants. Investigators seized several key fobs and electronic devices used to access the on-board diagnostics.
The following persons were arrested and charged:
22-year-old Bawa Singh of Brampton has been charged with:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle (10 counts)
- Mischief Under $5000 (4 counts)
- Breach of Recognizance (9 counts)
- Possession of Auto Master Key
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
21-year-old Nitin Gagneja of Brampton has been charged with:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle (10 counts)
- Possession of Break and Enter Tools (2 counts)
- Mischief Under $5000 (4 counts)
- Possession of Auto Master Key (3 counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
22-year-old Abu-Bakar Sheikh of Brampton has been charged with:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle (9 counts)
- Mischief Under $5000 (4 counts)
- Breach of Recognizance (9 counts)
- Possession of Auto Master Key
22-year-old Attiq Ur Rehman of Mississauga has been charged with:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle (4 counts)
- Mischief Under $5000 (2 counts)
- Breach of Recognizance (4 counts)
- Possession of Auto Master Key
All accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 3407.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Police would like to remind residents of the following tips to help protect against these types of thefts:
- Park your vehicle in a locked/secure garage, if possible.
- Lock the onboard diagnostic port using a simple device (that can be purchased online) that blocks access to where thieves reprogram the vehicle’s key fob
- Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft
- Invest in an aftermarket global positioning system (GPS) tracker as it may assist in recovery of the vehicle if it is stolen
- When not in use, place vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals
- Consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system and ensure your cameras are properly placed and functioning for 24-hour use
