OPP recovers $3 million in classic cars stolen in Stirling

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A police raid on a Stirling property netted a collection of stolen cars worth about $3 million, Ontario Provincial Police said.

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Two people were also arrested as part of a search warrant executed in Stirling.

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The Lambton County Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said it received a complaint in late 2023 regarding stolen vehicles with a total value of approximately $3 million.

“As a result of the investigation, on May 14, 2024, a search warrant was executed in Stirling in conjunction with the OPP Fleet, the Bureau of Supply and Weapons Services, the OPP Central Hastings Crime Unit and the Emergency Response Team and with the assistance of the OPP. The Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team (PATT) led by the OPP and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit (PAFU) led by the OPP,” the OPP said.

The investigation team located several of the stolen vehicles, including several classic cars. The police also confiscated 16 vehicles from the accused, which the police believed to be the proceeds of the crime.

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Two people were arrested and charged with crimes against the Criminal Code.

Robert Bradshaw, 54, of Stirling, was charged with motor vehicle theft over $5,000; fraud over $5,000; use forged documents; conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Gary Leblanc, 55, of Stirling was charged with motor vehicle theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, using forged documents, conspiracy to commit felony and uttering threats.

The accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville at a later date.

The investigation continues.

By reporting illegal or suspicious activity to the police, we can work together to reduce the number of stolen vehicles each year. Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP 911 at 1-888-310-1122 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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While vehicle theft is not new, the levels of violence, intimidation and incidents involving firearms used to steal vehicles represent a new and evolving threat to public safety. With the support of the Government of Ontario and our partners, the PATT team will conduct proactive, intelligence-led investigations into organized crime, bringing charges against those responsible for serious vehicle crimes, police said.

The PAFU Unit assists in the identification, seizure, retention and confiscation of assets related to the crime and the proceeds of the crime in relation to any asset, benefit or advantage derived from the commission of the designated crimes provided for in the Criminal Code. The unit supports regional/municipal investigations by providing investigative expertise, training, case management, expert witnesses and liaison with external agencies. PAFU is an Ontario joint force operation in partnership with 23 municipal police services.

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“Collaboration between our organization and our partner agencies is imperative to combating the prevalence of auto theft and related fraud in Ontario. The OPP-led Provincial Car Theft and Towing Team and Provincial Asset Forfeiture Team are well equipped to assist frontline members and other agencies with car theft and financial crime investigations,” said Det. OPP. Superintendent Paula Milne, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.

“This investigation is further evidence of the increase we have seen in car theft and financial crime in recent years and the need for experts to be involved in these investigations.”

OPP Inspector Chris Avery, commander of the Lambton County Detachment, said he was “pleased that the exemplary efforts of members of our Crime Unit played an important role in bringing this multi-unit investigation to a close. Crime knows no borders. That’s why it’s essential that members of law enforcement work together to bring criminals to justice.”

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