The Ontario government is investing $298,500 through the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Program to support the Durham Regional Police Service, the province announced Oct. 15.
The funding is meant to help maintain the downward trend in stolen vehicles across the province, giving officers more tools and resources to prevent vehicle theft, disrupt criminal networks and protect the community.
'Residents in Whitby and the Region of Durham deserve to feel confident that their vehicles, homes and neighbourhoods are protected,' said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, who announced the Durham funding. 'By working together, we can continue driving auto theft down and keeping the Durham Region safe.'
Through the 2026-27 PAT Grant Program, Ontario is investing an additional $6 million to support 22 police projects across the province, bringing the program's total investment to $24 million since 2023. The province says vehicle theft in Ontario is down 36 per cent from its 2023 peak.
Other 2026-27 recipients include Toronto, Peel and York police services at $300,000 each, Peterborough Police Service at $291,996 and Port Hope Police Service at $229,580.
Behind the story
Sources & publication details
- Byline
- Daily Durham News
- Published
- Oct 20, 2026, 8:55 a.m.
- Source
- peterbethlenfalvympp.ca
