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= NEWS “FUNDING WILL PROVIDE NECESSARY RESOURCES: # Continued from page 1 é Ontario. That number is | staggering and completely 3 unacceptable,” said Kerzn- a er. 2 "Ontarians believe that Z car theft is out of control, and itis tough to argue with the numbers. Last year alone, auto theft increased 14 per cent across the prov- ince... thieves and criminal parshieri are spe. cifically target Greater qorane “Area, in cluding Halton Region, where auto thefts creased. bye over 49 per cent in 2022, with Oakville and Burknaten hardest hit. This is happening to real Ontarians. To family members, 0 our friends, our neighbot The "solicitor general said the government is also cerned about recent trends that have seen thieves resort to carjack- ings to get what they want. He said Toronto report- ed a 78 per cent increase in carjackings in 2022. jar th inefts by organized crime are big busi- ness here | in Ontario and it pays huge dividends for very little up-front invest- ment," said Kerzner. "It has been way too easy for car thieves to get away with this. No longer. Today, lam announcing a bold three- int plan to combat and reduce vehicle thefts and put organized auto theft rings on notice. We are put: ting you out of business." Kerzner noted the prov- ince will be investing $51 million over three years to eate: * an Organized Crime Towing and Auto Theft Team led by the Ontario Provincial Police, which will with police ser- vices to identify, disrupt, and dismantle organized crime networks participat- ing in vehicle theft. *anew community safe- ty grant that targets auto theft, which the OPP, mu- nicipal and First Nations police services will be able to apply for to get extra tools, supports and re- sources to fight and pre- vent auto theft in their communities. * a new Major Auto Theft Prosecution Re- ;pol , Which will provide dedicated legal and prosecutorial support to prepare and prosecute compre cases, with corresponding court support staff and resoure- to help stop the illegal export of stolen vehicles and target violent crime linked to criminal organi- zations, Kerzner said the Ontario government is also investing $1.4 million over three years in the Greater Individualy@orporationyseirust; Payroll, HST including Tax Amnesty, & Reassessments Tax Audit, & Appeal CRA Collection Instalment Taxpayer Relief and Fairness Rroblems Ying Yang Chartered Profes: Ac Member of Can dian Tax Foundation (647) 989-1276 NAA? yangaccounting. ca Resolution For an Make insidehalton.com {fordable solution to your Busi n Appointment Today for idual tax diffic ential Consultation “It has been way too easy for car thieves to get away with this. No longer.” - Solicitor General Michael Kerzner Toronto Area-Greater Golden Horseshoe Investi- gative Fund. He said this funding will continue to provide eligible police services with the re- sources they need, includ- ing cutting-edge technolo- gy. Another $13.4 million, Kerzner said, will be used to jnerease intelligence sharin; KERZNER Those funds will also al- low a provincial guns and gangs support unit to assist with investigations and prosecutions. The Ontario govern- ment is also exploring op- portunities to work in part- nership with Canada Bor- tackling a very urgent is- sue," said Attorney Gener- al mey. “Only a strong, coordi- nated approach across the justice sector will stop the rise in ane thefts across Ontaric e will continue to take ‘decisive action to is are held responsible for their ac- tions." ig al across anti jurisdic- Chicken Strips 27-33 PIECES 1.36 ee Ib ll Off Ti Bone® Back Rib Fal ibs: 1 FULL RACK OF RIBS 510g - 6809 The was well received by Halton Po- lice Chief Stephen Tanner, ‘FOOD | MAR K ES & ay r ene (co 2 Ib Entrées 907g who said these measures will goa long way in assist- ing police services across Ontai Hes said they are greatly needed, with 416 vehicles stolen in Halton this year and 1,700 vehicles projected to be stolen locally by year's end. Tanner noted 108 of Dodge Ram pickup trucks; 76 were Land Rovers; 55 "I strongly urge our resi- dents and all residents of Ontario to take extra pre- Candens to protect your ve- hicles, your property, and the greater safety of our publie, oe said."We will fo investigate all stolen auto and we are re- covering approximately 56 per cent of autos stolen in Halton. But clearly orga- nized crime continues to make huge profitsfrom this ime.” > 10%, SS] ALLPRICES INEFFECT [lal 10 UNLESS. ‘OTHERWISE STATED. Simply va ood Markt Express Wiis mnoodmartet com