TORONTO Police on Wednesday announced the final results of Project Stallion, an investigation into vehicle and catalytic converter thefts that began last year in November.
Project Stallion, which ended in September, has resulted in the recovery of more than 1,000 stolen vehicles worth almost $60M, and more than 500 charges laid against 228 people.
Through funding provided by the Government of Ontario, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO) is supporting this Toronto Police Service joint investigation.
“Project Stallion is a reflection of how seriously the Toronto Police Service is taking the issue of vehicle thefts in Toronto,” said Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw. “It is just one of the strategic and intelligence-led initiatives the Service has undertaken to tackle this ongoing problem, including the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force that was announced last week.”
He said: “We are committed to addressing the increasing levels of violence being used in the commission of these crimes, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, and agencies like Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario, by maximizing our enforcement efforts against criminal organizations responsible for these crimes.”
There have been 9,747 vehicles stolen in Toronto so far in 2023, and during the Project Stallion investigation, more than 3,500 vehicles were stolen in 22 and 23 Divisions. Thieves are stealing vehicles, and are then using those vehicles to carry out other violent crimes, or are shipping them overseas, where they are resold, or re-vinned and sold domestically.
“The Toronto Police Service takes these crimes very seriously, and through the ongoing work of our dedicated officers and support staff, over 1,000 vehicles have been recovered,” said Superintendent Ron Taverner, 22 and 23 District Commander. “The conclusion of Project Stallion does not mark the end of our commitment to this issue. This will remain a top priority for the service, and for officers in 22 and 23 Divisions, who understand how a vehicle theft, and the violence that sometimes accompanies it, can compromise a victim’s feeling of safety and security.”
Project Stallion, which operated between November 7, 2022, and September 24, 2023, has resulted in the following:
- Charged people: 228
- Charges laid: 553
- Vehicles recovered: 1,080
- Value of recovered vehicles: $59,065,120
