Project Atlantis II results released by Durham Regional Police on October 16 show 490 arrests and 808 charges during a six-month enforcement and community-engagement initiative in downtown Oshawa.
The figures cover April through September 2026 and provide a substantial new results period for an initiative previously reported on All About Durham. They are not an additional 490 arrests to add to earlier interim totals.
Members of the Central East Division Community Resource Unit worked with community partners on targeted enforcement, intelligence-led investigations and contact with residents, businesses and local organizations. Police said the work focused on theft, possession of property obtained by crime and the sale and distribution of illicit drugs.
What the six-month figures show
Alongside the arrests and charges, the service reported 406 Provincial Offence Notices, 436 calls for service and 307 business and community-engagement visits. Those are separate activity measures, not interchangeable counts of people convicted or crimes prevented.
The release reports significant drug seizures, but does not provide itemized quantities in its written results. Earlier seizure quantities should not be presented as newly announced totals for the entire April-to-September period.
Visible patrols extended beyond downtown streets
Officers completed 2,120 hours of bicycle patrol, 180 hours on foot and 96 hours using a utility terrain vehicle. Together, those categories amount to 2,396 patrol hours. The police statement identifies the downtown core, waterfronts, trails and parks as locations reached through the visible patrol work.
The service describes increased presence and contact with the community as part of the initiative, alongside investigations and charges. The results announcement does not present an independent evaluation of crime reduction or establish that arrests alone measure improved safety.
Chief Peter Moreira said the work was intended to respond to concerns raised by residents and businesses while building relationships and trust. His comments link enforcement to continuing community engagement, rather than presenting the project only as an arrest tally.
Mayor points to housing and treatment needs
In comments included with the police release, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter thanked police, municipal bylaw enforcement, corporate security and city staff. He also said enforcement cannot by itself address the connected challenges of mental health, addiction and homelessness.
Carter called for stronger investments in treatment, housing and support services alongside accountability and legislative tools. Those comments describe his position on the broader response; the release does not announce a new housing allocation, treatment facility or legislative change.
Durham Radio News separately reported the October 16 results. Anyone with information related to Project Atlantis II can contact Sergeant Firth at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1708. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
