3 charged after dozens of vehicles stolen from GTA commuter parking lots

By News Staff and The Canadian Press

Police say three men are facing charges in the theft of dozens of vehicles from commuter parking lots across the Greater Toronto Area.

York regional police say they began investigating in August 2017 after receiving reports of a series of vehicle thefts.

They say the alleged thieves – who operated an auto parts supply company in Toronto – appeared to be targeting Honda, Acura and Toyota vehicles that were parked in commuter lots for the majority of the day.

Investigators allege the auto shop was used by the group to dismantle stolen vehicles for the sale of the parts, but say some of the stolen vehicles had new vehicle identification numbers placed on them for resale.

“We do have video surveillance,” said Vanessa Barassa with Metrolinx.

“We haver over 2,800 cameras across the entire network and whenever there is an incident that is reported directly to GO Transit, Up Express or to law enforcement in their region, we do look at the footage that we have and turn it over to police if there is a criminal matter or investigation, we work very closely with them.”

Police say one suspect was arrested at the auto shop on Tuesday and two others were taken into custody on Thursday. All are charged with theft of a motor vehicle over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and trafficking in property obtained by crime.

Police say they recovered stolen vehicles and parts from 32 vehicles allegedly stolen from across the GTA.

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