A joint police investigation has resulted in the seizure of more than $2.5 million in stolen vehicles and 11 people arrested.
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 2022 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.
The team arrested 11 individuals, laid 55 charges and seized a total of 33 vehicles.
The DRPS would like to thank the members of the investigative team for their dedication and perseverance, as well as the CBSA and all of the other law enforcement agencies that provided assistance during this investigation.
The DRPS would like to remind the public that while our investigators are working diligently to address the vehicle thefts in our 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.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
