A Durham auto-theft grant will provide $298,500 to Durham Regional Police as Ontario expands funding for vehicle-theft prevention and investigations. The local allocation was announced October 15 through the office of Whitby MPP Lorne Coe.
The money comes through the 2026–27 Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program. The provincial announcement describes support for investigative tools, specialized training, public education and resources intended to disrupt organized theft networks.
The Durham auto-theft grant is intended to help police prevent thefts, investigate offences and pursue organized networks operating across community boundaries.
Ontario says it is adding $6 million for 22 police projects in the current program year, bringing total provincial investment in the grant program to $24 million since 2023. Those totals cover projects across Ontario; Durham’s announced share is $298,500.
The government also reports that vehicle theft across Ontario has fallen 36 per cent from its 2023 peak. That provincial comparison is not presented as a Durham-specific reduction or a prediction of what the new local grant will achieve.
In the release, Durham police Chief Peter Moreira described auto theft as increasingly connected to organized criminal networks. He said the funding would strengthen prevention, complex investigations and efforts to target those responsible, while noting that work remains despite encouraging local progress.
The announcement includes support from Durham-area provincial representatives Lorne Coe, Todd McCarthy and Peter Bethlenfalvy. It does not identify a newly launched named police operation, announce arrests or provide an itemized local spending schedule.
Durham Radio News also reported the grant on October 15. The primary announcement does not set out a public application process for residents; the funding is directed to the police service.
