Durham Police yesterday said a joint investigation has resulted in the seizure of more than $2.5 million in stolen vehicles, and arrest of 11 people.
Project Redstart was a month-long investigation led by DRPS West and East Division Criminal Investigations Bureaus with the assistance of the Gatineau Police Service and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Project Redstart began in November, and targeted organized vehicle theft networks, originating from the Montreal area, and operating throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Project Redstart was initiated because of the high number of vehicle thefts occurring daily within our community, said a police statement.
The team arrested 11 individuals, laid 55 charges and seized a total of 33 vehicles.
The DRPS thanked members of the investigative team for their dedication and perseverance, as well as CBSA and all of the other law enforcement agencies that provided assistance during this investigation.
The DRPS reminded the public that while investigators are working diligently to address the vehicle thefts in the community, there are preventative measures vehicle owners can take to deter thieves. Remember to lock your vehicle and not store your key near the front door. For the latest information on vehicle thefts, view this page on our website.
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact Det. Barkwell of Central West Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2562.
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.