Ontario Investing $229K Helping Port Hope Police Combat Auto Theft

The Government of Ontario is investing $229,580.92 through the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Program to support Port Hope Police Services in the fight against auto theft. The funding will help maintain the downward trend in stolen vehicles across the province, giving police officers more tools and resources to prevent vehicle theft, disrupt criminal networks and protect the community.

“Our government is committed to giving police the tools and resources they need to combat auto theft and keep our communities safe,” said David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South. “I am proud to see this investment supporting the work of Chief Farquharson and the Port Hope Police Service as they continue to prevent auto theft, disrupt criminal activity, and protect our residents.”

Through the 2026-27 PAT Grant Program, Ontario is investing an additional $6 million to support 22 police projects across the province, bringing the government’s total investment in the program to $24 million since 2023. The investment builds on broader provincial actions that have helped drive vehicle theft in Ontario down 36 per cent from its peak in 2023.

“Auto theft is down across Ontario because our government is making it a priority and is giving police the tools and resources they need to go after the organized criminals who are behind it,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “While we are seeing real progress, we will not let up. By investing in Port Hope Police Service, we are supporting the work of local police to disrupt criminal networks, prevent auto theft and protect families in Port Hope.”

“While Port Hope is a smaller community, we are not immune to the impacts of auto theft and the associated criminal activity that often accompanies it. Crime has no geographical boundaries, and we recognize the influence of broader regional trends, including those originating in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as crimes of opportunity involving stolen vehicles.

The renewal of the Preventing Auto Theft (PAT) Grant will provide valuable support to Port Hope Police Service in strengthening our local efforts to prevent and combat auto theft, support investigations, and educate residents on practical steps they can take to protect their vehicles. This funding also helps police services respond to the broader risks associated with vehicle theft, including related violent crime.

Auto theft is not just a big-city issue; it is a concern for communities of every size.

Continued investment through the PAT Grant will help ensure that smaller police services like ours have the resources to implement initiatives tailored to local needs, protect our residents, and contribute to a coordinated, province-wide response to auto theft and the criminal activity connected to it.”

Tim Farquharson, Chief of Police, Port Hope Police Service

The Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program provides OPP-policed municipalities, municipal and First Nations police services with specialized training, additional investigative tools and resources and public education and awareness initiatives.