A new month has brought another spike in vehicle thefts in Mississauga and Brampton, with over 300 incidents reported in the last 31 days.

Between January 21 and February 22, Peel Regional Police recorded a total of 387 stolen vehicles across both cities—190 in Mississauga and 197 in Brampton. This averages out to more than 12 thefts per day in the region.

As of Saturday, 11 stolen vehicle cases have been resolved, 369 are still under investigation, and 7 remain unsolved. Of the stolen vehicles, 305 were cars, 80 were trucks, and two were categorized as “others.”

The data also highlights the top six hotspots for car thefts in Peel region this month:

– Airport Road — 10 occurrences
– City Centre Drive — 7 occurrences
– Courtneypark Drive — 8 occurrences
– Dixie Road — 13 occurrences
– Great Lakes Drive — 16 occurrences
– Kennedy Road — 9 occurrences

These statistics emphasize that certain areas are more vulnerable to car theft, urging residents to take extra precautions.

When comparing these numbers to the same period last year (January–February 2024), the vehicle theft rate was significantly higher, with 849 incidents reported. By the end of 2024, the total number of vehicle thefts in Mississauga and Brampton surged to 6,657.

Three notable car theft cases from February have been shared, shedding light on the ongoing issue.

Peel police are also offering some tips to help prevent auto theft:

– Park in a locked garage if possible, as many thefts occur from driveways.
– Use a steering wheel lock, which acts as both a physical and visible deterrent.
– Install a lock on the data port. This simple device blocks access to the port used by thieves to reprogram a vehicle’s keys.
– Consider investing in a quality video surveillance system, and ensure cameras are properly placed and functional for both day and night use. Familiarize yourself with the system for easy access when needed.

These proactive steps can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of auto theft.