The Federal government has released a plan on curbing vehicle thefts across the country.

The National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, is focused on “disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting the organized crime groups involved in auto theft,” according to a release from Public Safety Canada.

That includes the establishment of a National Intergovernmental Working Group on Auto Theft to coordinate actions, monitor progress and explore new initiatives. 

The government says it will make it more difficult to steal cars; make it harder to move stolen cars to a port; target and prosecute the criminals stealing cars; and recover stolen vehicles in ports and rail yards.

Brampton Mayor Ptrick Brown says the Canada Border Service Agency’s work to deploy a scanner in the GTA, combined with increased container examinations at the CN intermodal hub in Brampton, marks a significant step forward. “By enhancing our ability to detect and prevent the illegal export of stolen vehicles, we are not only protecting the property of our residents but also disrupting the revenue streams of organized crime,” he said in a statement.

Public Safety Canada says the plan identifies various measures and initiatives that can be implemented by the federal, provincial and territorial governments and their partners.

Legislative and regulatory changes, include proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, to institute tougher penalties for auto theft with ties to violence, organized crime and money laundering. 

In addition, Transport Canada will review and modernize the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations related to theft prevention, to ensure they consider technological advancements to deter and prevent auto theft.

Information sharing will also be beefed up between municipal, provincial, federal and international police and customs officials in support of criminal investigations, charges, and prosecutions, building on joint efforts that are already underway.