The Ontario government is investing $300,000 in the Ontario Provincial Police’s Middlesex and Elgin detachments to help combat and prevent vehicle theft.
The funding comes through the province’s 2026-27 Preventing Auto Theft Grant Program, which is providing an additional $6 million to support 22 police projects across Ontario.
The latest investment brings the province’s total funding through the program to $24 million since 2023.
The grant is intended to give police services additional resources to investigate vehicle thefts, disrupt criminal networks and strengthen prevention efforts.
According to the province, funding can support dedicated investigators, investigative technology and equipment, specialized training, intelligence-sharing, and public education and awareness initiatives.
The investment builds on other provincial efforts to address auto theft. The Ontario government says vehicle theft across the province has declined by 36 per cent from its peak in 2023.
The Middlesex and Elgin detachments are among police services and OPP detachments receiving funding through the latest round. Other recipients include London Police Service, which is receiving $300,000, and Norfolk County OPP, which is receiving $196,000.
The province says the Preventing Auto Theft Grant Program is designed to provide police services with specialized training, investigative tools and resources, as well as public education to help prevent vehicle theft.
The funding is part of Ontario’s ongoing efforts to protect residents and businesses from auto theft and hold those responsible accountable.
