NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit have laid multiple charges and have recovered 50 stolen vehicles valued at approximately $3 million in connection with an ongoing vehicle theft investigation.
Over the past several years, York Regional Police has seen an increase in thefts of vehicles from residential driveways. The majority of these thefts have occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.
Thieves have been using tools like screwdrivers to gain access into the driver or passenger doors, while ensuring not to set off alarms. Once inside, an electronic device, typically used by mechanics to reprogram the factory setting, is connected to a port below the dashboard and programs the vehicle to accept a key the thieves have brought with them. Once the new key is programmed, the vehicle will start and the thieves drive it away. The entire process only takes 10 to 20 minutes. Once stolen, vehicles are typically shipped overseas in shipping containers.
The York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit with the assistance of the Canada Border Services Agency and Equite Association have remained active and aggressive in efforts to combat this issue and to identify suspects responsible. In this recent investigation, officers identified eight suspects, executed search warrants on two residential addresses and a commercial property and were able to successfully recover 50 stolen vehicles valued at approximately $3 million dollars. Officers also seized $80,000 in cash.
The following people face charges as a result:
CHARGED:
- Garfield Duncan, 31, of Erin
- Aomar Abdolah, 34, of Milton
CHARGES:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 x17
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000 x5.
CHARGED:
- Ali El-Hage, 20, of Laval Quebec
- Steve Napoleon, 19, of Montreal
- Jean Emmanuel Isreal, 19, of Montreal
CHARGES:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over
- Theft of Motor Vehicle Over $5000
- Possession of Automobile Master Key
- Possession of Break and Enter Tools
CHARGED:
- Gabriel Adragna, 19, of Montreal
- Ilyasse Nahhane, 19, of Montreal
CHARGES:
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
- Theft of Motor Vehicle
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Two additional investigations branched off from the project and resulted in five additional arrests, a warrant for one outstanding suspect and two additional vehicles being recovered, a 2020 Ford F150 valued at $65,000 and a Lexus Rx350, with an approximate value of $50,000.WANTED:
- Leonard Paul Rene Otoghe Minkoue, 22, of Montreal
CHARGES:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over
- Theft of Motor Vehicle Over $5000
- Possession of Automobile Master Key
- Possession of Break and Enter Tools
- Probation Order - Non – Compliance x2
Vehicle owners are encouraged to consider the following safety tips to help prevent their vehicles from being stolen:
- If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage, as the majority of the vehicles have been stolen from driveways
- Use a steering wheel lock. It will also act as a visible deterrent
- Install a lock on the data port. This simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the computer port where the thieves gain access to reprogram the vehicle’s keys
- Consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system. Ensure cameras are properly placed and functioning for day and night time use. Familiarize yourself with the system so it can be reviewed and accessed immediately
For more information contact the York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6651, or call Corporate Communications at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 2664.
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