York Region's Alarming Surge: Where Auto Thieves Struck Last Week

York Region continues to grapple with a persistent wave of auto thefts, with a recent seven-day period from May 27 to June 2 revealing numerous incidents across its municipalities. This isn't just about statistics; it's about residents waking up to find their vehicles, often essential for work or family, gone without a trace.

Police reports from this specific week paint a stark picture of where and how these brazen criminals are operating.

Vaughan, a frequent target, saw multiple high-value vehicles disappear. A 2021 Toyota Highlander was reported stolen from Dufferin Street and Langstaff Road, while a 2017 Acura RDX vanished from Highway 7 and Highway 400.

Not far, near Weston Road and Highway 7, a 2018 Honda CRV was taken. The pattern continued with a 2018 Toyota Highlander disappearing from Jane Street and Rutherford Road, and another, a 2021 Toyota Highlander, from Islington Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive. Luxury cars weren't spared either, as a 2022 Porsche Cayenne was stolen from Islington Avenue and Rutherford Road.

Markham also experienced its share of thefts.

A 2020 Honda CRV was targeted near 16th Avenue and Woodbine Avenue, while another 2021 Honda CRV was reported stolen from Highway 7 and McCowan Road. Further east, a 2022 Lexus RX 350 vanished from 16th Avenue and Ninth Line, and a 2020 Toyota Rav4 was taken from Kennedy Road and 16th Avenue. Even commercial vehicles are not safe, with a 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van disappearing from Woodbine Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive.

Richmond Hill residents also faced the grim reality of vehicle theft.

A 2018 Toyota RAV4 was stolen from Bathurst Street and Highway 7. South of there, a 2021 Honda CRV was taken from Bayview Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive. Highway 7 and Yonge Street, a bustling intersection, also saw a 2021 Honda CRV vanish, followed by a 2018 Toyota RAV4 from Elgin Mills Road East and Bayview Avenue.

The thefts weren't confined to the larger cities.

Aurora reported a 2020 Lexus RX 350 stolen from Bayview Avenue and Wellington Street East. Newmarket also saw a 2022 Lexus RX 350 disappear from Bathurst Street and Mulock Drive. Even smaller communities like King City were not immune, with a 2020 Lexus RX 350 stolen from Keele Street and King Road.

This recent spate of thefts underscores the ongoing challenge faced by law enforcement and residents alike.

From popular SUVs like the Honda CRV and Toyota Highlander to luxury vehicles such as the Porsche Cayenne and Lexus RX 350, thieves are showing a wide range of targets. The data from this single week serves as a crucial reminder for all vehicle owners in York Region to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their property, as the fight against auto crime continues.