Amid growing concerns over a surge in auto thefts, more than 60 Milton residents attended an Auto-Theft Town Hall at the Milton Sports Centre on November 14. Organized with just 24 hours’ notice, the event provided a platform for community members to voice frustrations, ask questions, and learn about ongoing efforts to combat the issue.
Hosted by Milton MPP Zee Hamid, the forum featured representatives from the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), the municipal government, and the Halton Police Board.
“People are concerned. There’s a lot of anxiety, and you can see it was a great turnout. People were very, very engaged,” said Hamid.
According to HRPS data, Milton has experienced 228 auto thefts so far this year, part of a trend that has steadily worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Calls for Action
During the town hall, residents shared a variety of suggestions to address the problem, including:
Increased visible police presence (though one attendee called for reduced police presence).
Installation of surveillance cameras in public areas.
Enhanced policing along Highway 401.
Grassroots community initiatives to combat theft.
Graham McGregor, Ontario's Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform, also attended the event. He called for stricter enforcement measures, emphasizing the need for tougher penalties under the criminal code.
“Crime isn’t the fault of the car, the victim, or any particular government,” McGregor said. “Criminals cause crime, but it’s up to governments, police, and other partners to ensure they are locked up and face consequences.”
Rising Auto Theft Rates
HRPS statistics reveal a sharp rise in auto thefts across the region. Between 2018 and 2020, annual incidents remained below 500. However, numbers spiked to 765 in 2021 and soared to 1,302 in 2022.
The town hall underscored both the community’s frustration and its determination to find solutions, as residents and officials alike grapple with what many are calling a crisis.
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