New helicopters to prevent car theft in GTA

The Ontario government is taking to the skies to help prevent violent carjacking in the Greater Toronto and Ottawa area.

The province is spending $134 million to buy five new police helicopters, which they say will also help keep roads safe from street racers and impaired drivers.

The Ontario Provincial Police will obtain two new H135 helicopters to support police services in Ottawa and Toronto, while three helicopters will be purchased, owned and operated by Durham, Halton and Peel Regional Police Services.

“Our government is making the necessary investments to ensure police services have the tools and resources they need to fight car theft and car thieves,” Premier Doug Ford said in a press release.

“From implementing new technology and innovative policing strategies to tackling guns and gangs and getting more boots on the ground, we’ll do whatever it takes to put criminals behind bars and keep our communities safe.”

Attorney General Michael Kerzner says a car is stolen every 14 minutes in Ontario.

“Criminal networks have become more sophisticated, and so have we,” he said.

“These helicopters will be a vital tool in helping the police stay one step ahead of the criminals stealing cars and committing crimes on our streets.”

Funding for the new helicopters was announced in Ontario’s 2024 budget.