Halton police arrest four people in two GTHA auto theft investigations

Halton police have arrested four people in connection with two separate auto theft investigations launched this year. The first investigation, dubbed “Project Joker,” began in April 2026 after a Lexus SUV was stolen from the Bronte GO Station parking lot. Investigators soon identified two suspects they believed to be members of an organized crime group based out of Quebec. A rental vehicle associated with the suspects was identified and subsequently placed under surveillance. Authorities then observed the suspects stealing and attempting to steal vehicles in Oakville and Mississauga. Footage shared by Halton police depicted a masked man breaking into and stealing a car in broad daylight. “It’s a matter of probably two or three seconds later in the car,” said Halton Regional Police Chief Steven Tanner, “reprogrammed using the car’s own technology, and driving away with the car, thinking that it’s the rightful owner.