In recent months, vehicle thefts have been a growing problem in Prescott-Russell and all of Eastern Ontario. Area residents have reported thefts or attempted thefts of their vehicles, often right from their driveways. On Friday, March 22, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) announced 34 individuals from Montréal and the surrounding area had been arrested in connection to auto thefts across Ontario between March 2019 and September 2023.
The investigation and arrests under what police have named Project Volcano, were announced at the Hawkesbury OPP Detachment.
Police have identified that nine people are wanted in connection with vehicle thefts in the area served by the Hawkesbury OPP Detachment, 14 are wanted in the Russell County OPP Detachment, 16 are wanted in the SDG OPP Detachment, and three are wanted in connection with automobile thefts in the City of Cornwall.
The Project Volcano investigation began in January 2024 after the OPP identified individuals residing in Québec. The accused individuals failed to appear for scheduled court dates in relation to auto theft charges in Ontario, and/or violated the conditions of their release.
“We’ve identified that many of the vehicles being stolen in Ontario were being transported eastbound into the Province of Québec,” OPP Superintendent Joe Goodwin said.
He explained that the vehicles are usually driven or even transported by truck or railcar to the Port of Montréal. OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns said 80 per cent of the stolen vehicles are exported to countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Kearns said police continually work with private sector partners in the transportation industry, the port authority, and the Canada Border Services Agency on theft detection.
“Most of these vehicles are high-end SUVs and pick-up trucks,” said OPP Staff Sergeant Gaston Thibodeau.
According to Kearns, about 3,000 vehicles have been stolen across Ontario during the past seven weeks. Between 2021 and 2023, there has been a 200 per cent increase in violent carjackings and home invasions. Kearns said the speed at which the thefts have taken place is concerning as thieves increasingly disable electronic anti-theft devices on automobiles.
Goodwin said that in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the OPP contacts law enforcement agencies in the countries where the stolen vehicles are being shipped to. He said there has been a lot of success in those efforts, but it is difficult to recover the vehicles.
Many of the wanted persons are also accused of additional offences under the Criminal Code, Cannabis Act, Highway Traffic Act and Youth Criminal Justice Act. Several individuals face serious charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from peace officer, possession of a loaded firearm and possession of illicit drugs.
In some instances, stolen vehicles were operated by young people who did not possess a driver’s licence. On more than one occasion, a stolen vehicle was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision.
SPVM Inspector David Shane said some of the alleged vehicle thieves have ties to organized crime and have exhibited behaviour that is a threat to public safety.
“Some thieves are increasingly inclined to use violence,” Shane said.
Kearns said the vehicle thefts are connected with all facets of organized crime. He said there are currently 62 new, active criminal organizations.
Goodwin said that anyone who witnesses the theft of their vehicle in progress should not approach the suspects.
“These are not the people you want to be engaging with,” he said.
Vehicle theft victims should instead immediately contact police, Goodwin emphasized.
Goodwin said many of the alleged vehicle thieves have even reoffended after previous arrests. The OPP found that eight accused were arrested prior to takedown, four warrants were rescinded and twelve of the outstanding suspects are presently detained in correctional facilities. The OPP plans to arrest those serving custodial sentences upon their release dates from these institutions.
More arrests will be made as investigations progress.
“We will continue to come for you,” Goodwin said, directing his message to automobile thieves.
The recent Operation Volcano arrests involved 170 officers from the OPP and SPVM. The investigation was also supported by members of the Cornwall Police Service and the Sûreté du Québec.
Project Volcano remains ongoing. Anyone with any information about auto theft or about the whereabouts of wanted individuals is urged to call their local police service. If that is the OPP, call 1-888-310-1122. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
