The Toronto Police Service, in collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and other regional law enforcement agencies, announced the results of ‘Project Titanium’ today.
The Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force, which operated from September 2023 to March 2024, was formed to combat the increasing violence linked to auto crimes. Despite a reported 28% decrease in auto thefts in Toronto in 2024, these crimes have contributed to a surge in home invasions, violent robberies, and gun violence.
During this period, law enforcement agencies made 124 arrests and laid 749 criminal charges. They seized eight firearms and recovered 177 stolen vehicles, collectively valued at over $10 million. These accomplishments underscore the effectiveness of the task force’s collaborative efforts, funded by the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario.
“We made 124 arrests, laid 749 criminal charges, seized eight firearms, and recovered 177 stolen vehicles valued at over $10 million,” Deputy Chief of Toronto Police Service, Robert Johnson, stated during the press conference.
The conclusion of the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force led to the launch of Project Titanium by the OPP’s Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team (PATT). This project focused on dismantling a sophisticated criminal network involved in a range of crimes, including armed home invasions, store robberies, break-ins, vehicle thefts, and violent carjackings.
Deputy Commissioner of the OPP, Marty Kearns, highlighted the task force’s success: “Project Titanium concluded with the execution of numerous search warrants and the arrests of those involved. This operation demonstrates our commitment to ensuring public safety.”
During the operation, police executed four search warrants in Peel Region and Toronto, alongside six vehicle search warrants. The raids resulted in the seizure of a loaded Glock 17 firearm, ammunition, approximately $2,000 in Canadian currency, tools indicative of auto theft, money counters, fraudulent identification, stolen vehicle parts, and disguises used in the crimes.
Detective Inspector Scott Wade of the OPP provided specific details on the investigation: “This criminal network was responsible for over 100 occurrences, including 21 home invasions and three carjackings. The nature of these crimes, often involving violence and home invasions, posed a significant risk to public safety.”
The arrests revealed a troubling trend: 44% of those apprehended were out on bail at the time of their arrest, and 61% were subsequently released on bail again. This highlights ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system concerning repeat offenders.
Despite the conclusion of the joint task force, the commitment to addressing auto theft remains strong. The Toronto Police Service has established a dedicated Carjacking Task Force to continue tackling these crimes locally. Additionally, law enforcement agencies across the GTA will maintain their collaborative efforts to combat organized crime effectively.
The success of Project Titanium involved significant collaboration among various agencies, including the OPP’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Tactics and Rescue Unit, Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, and the Provincial Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad. They were supported by the Peel Region Police Tactical and Rescue Unit, the Toronto Police Service Emergency Task Force, and others, including the Canada Border Services Agency.
“Our communities deserve to feel safe,” Kearns emphasized. “The partnerships we’ve established will continue to yield positive results in our fight against organized crime.”
Law enforcement officials reiterated their commitment to public safety, urging community members to stay informed about how to protect themselves from vehicle crimes. Resources and tips are available on the Ontario Provincial Police’s official website, providing guidance on preventive measures.
“Our goal is to find long-term and effective solutions to this significant issue affecting our communities,” Kearns stated, highlighting the ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future crimes.
The results of Project Titanium demonstrate a concerted effort by law enforcement agencies to tackle the complex issue of auto theft and its associated violent crimes. The collaborative approach and the significant achievements of the task force offer a promising outlook for enhancing public safety and reducing organized crime in the region.