The Ontario government is turning to the skies in an effort to prevent violent carjackings in the Greater Toronto and Ottawa areas.
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 get two new H135 helicopters to support Ottawa and Toronto Police Services, while three helicopters will be procured, owned and operated by Durham, Halton and Peel regional police services.
“Our government is making the necessary investments to ensure that police services have the tools and resources they need to crack down on auto theft and car thieves,” Premier Doug Ford said in a news release.
“From implementing new technologies and innovative policing strategies to tackling guns and gangs and getting more boots on the ground, we’ll do whatever it takes to put the criminals behind bars and keep our communities safe," he added.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner says a vehicle is stolen every 14 minutes in Ontario.
“Criminal networks have become more sophisticated, but so have we,” he said.
“These helicopters will be a critical tool in helping police stay one step ahead of the criminals who are stealing cars and committing crimes on our streets," Kerzner added.
The funding for the new helicopters was announced in Ontario’s 2024 budget.
