Photo: HRPS
Two Quebec men have been arrested following an auto theft investigation across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
In early September, the Halton Regional Police Task Force identified a male suspect believed to be responsible for committing numerous auto thefts in the region and GTA. Further investigation led to numerous stolen vehicles being located via a Criminal Code search warrant at a commercial property in Orangeville. The Task Force continued investigating, leading the Task Force to locate additional stolen vehicles in an industrial warehouse in Toronto.
On Thursday, September 21st, members of the Task Force executed a search warrant at a residential property in Oakville. Two men were located inside and arrested for their involvement in this auto theft network. The Task Force also issued arrest warrants for two additional involved males.
20-year-old Ali Kirisikoglu from Quebec has been arrested and charged with:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle (three counts)
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
- Possession of Automobile Master Key
- Possession of Device to Obtain Computer Service
- Possession of Break in Instruments
26-year-old Nicolas St-Jean-Lamothe from Quebec has been arrested and charged with:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle (two counts)
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
- Possession of Automobile Master Key
- Possession of Device to Obtain Computer Service
- Possession of Break in Instruments
Both were held for a bail hearing.
The Task Force has also issued arrest warrants for two males for the offences of:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
As a result of this investigation, the Task Force recovered 25 stolen vehicles during this time.
The HRPS is applying significant resources to investigate auto theft occurrences; however, crime prevention is a shared responsibility. Please call 911 if you witness a crime in progress or if you see suspicious persons/vehicles in your neighbourhood.
There are some measures that residents can take to decrease the chance of the vehicle being stolen:
- Park your vehicle in a locked garage
- Block the exit of a potential target vehicle with a second vehicle parked behind it
- Install an on-board diagnostic blocker/protector
- Install a steering wheel lock device
- Install an aftermarket GPS tracking device
- Install home security cameras on the exterior of the residence
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Regional Auto Theft Task Force at 905-825-4777 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.
