Peterborough Police Service Awarded Two Provincial Grants for Combatting Auto Theft and Increased Community Engagement

The following is the media release issued by Dave Smith, MPP Peterborough-Kawartha

Ontario Investing to Combat Auto Theft 

Funding will help Peterborough Police Service maintain downward trend in vehicle theft

October 26, 2026

 Peterborough — The Ontario government is investing $291,996.10 through the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Program to support Peterborough Police in the fight against auto theft. The funding will help maintain the downward trend in stolen vehicles across the province, giving police officers more tools and resources to prevent vehicle theft, disrupt criminal networks, and protect the community.

“Auto theft is not just a property crime; it compromises public safety and impacts families across our region,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough—Kawartha. “By providing the Peterborough Police Service with targeted funding through the PAT Grant Program, our government is ensuring our local police have the specialized technology, equipment, and resources they need to keep thieves out of our driveways and hold organized crime networks accountable.”

Through the 2026–27 PAT Grant Program, Ontario is investing an additional $6 million to support 22 police projects across the province, bringing the government’s total investment in the program to $24 million since 2023. The investment builds on broader provincial actions that have helped drive vehicle theft in Ontario down 36 per cent from its peak in 2023.

“Auto theft is down across Ontario because our government is making it a priority and is giving police the tools and resources they need to go after the organized criminals who are behind it,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “While we are seeing real progress, we will not let up. By investing in the Peterborough Police, we are supporting the work of local police to disrupt criminal networks, prevent auto theft and protect families in Peterborough, Lakefield, and Cavan Monaghan.”

The funding will support the Peterborough Police Service’s specialized auto theft enforcement efforts, including the acquisition of advanced technology, surveillance equipment, license plate recognition systems, and enhanced investigative resources to track and prevent vehicle thefts. It will also support public outreach initiatives to educate community members on proactive vehicle protection measures.

The Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program also provides OPP-policed municipalities, municipal, and First Nations police services with specialized training, additional investigative tools and resources, and public education and awareness initiatives.

Additionally, the Peterborough Police Service will receive $243,305.11 over the next three years—allocated at $81,101.70 annually—from the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant for the Community Crime Prevention and Outreach Project.

The Proceeds of Crime grant is designed to make the relationship between police and community even more accessible with the addition of a mobile community crime prevention and outreach van.  This van will visit neighbourhoods, community events and be in areas where our data tells us crime has happened or may happen.  The Mobile Community Crime Prevention and Outreach (MCCPO) van is not a command post. It is intended to invite community engagement as a high-visibility beacon of public safety and accessible crime prevention information. Officer training is also a main component of the grant that we hope will help us to connect with the community and enhance public trust and confidence and ensure the safety of our growing community.

“We are very appreciative to be receiving both of these grants from the provincial government.  The positive impact this type of investment will have on the safety in a community like ours cannot be overstated, and we are grateful to the provincial government for their recognition of these efforts and for their support of our municipality. To be prepared to more effectively respond to auto theft incidents and pass along proactive tips and protection measures to our residents helps increase feelings of safety. The Proceeds of Crime Grant will allow our members to be even more involved with our community. We are excited about developing the programming to support this new mobile community engagement van.” Stuart Betts, Chief of Police, Peterborough Police Service.

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario is investing $291,996.10 to help Peterborough Police combat vehicle theft through the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Program.
• The PAT Grant Program supports 22 police service projects across Ontario with an additional $6 million in 2026–27, raising total program funding to $24 million since 2023.
• Vehicle thefts across Ontario are down 36 per cent from their peak in 2023 following targeted provincial prevention and enforcement measures.
• Peterborough Police Service is also receiving $243,305.11 over three years ($81,101.70 per year) via Proceeds of Crime funding for community crime prevention and outreach.