Justin Trudeau indicates tougher laws for car theft, says organized crime becoming ‘more brazen’

(Aanchal Nigam / Red Maple)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has suggested that Ontario may roll out stricter car theft laws while noting that organised crime has become “more brazen.”

As per reports, Trudeau’s remarks came as RCMP’s head said that some of the crimes are being carried out “extreme violence.”

In a daylong national summit on auto theft in Ottawa, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme called it “unprecedented” as the violence is growing intense.

It is to mention that Trudeau is being urged to solve the problem of increasing car thefts. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, criticized Trudeau's Liberal party for the rise in these thefts.

Trudeau criticized his opponent's approach, emphasizing that simple slogans and brief videos are insufficient to address the issue. 

He also highlighted the growing boldness of organized crime and the expanding international market for stolen vehicles, stressing the need for a united effort among law enforcement, border services, port authorities, automakers, and insurance companies to effectively combat auto theft.

Trudeau’s response came after Poilievre proposed stricter penalties, advocating for a minimum three-year jail term for anyone found guilty of auto theft a third time under a Conservative government. His strategy also included prohibiting house arrest for those indicted for auto theft.

Meanwhile, Thomas Carrique, the Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner, pointed out that the penalties currently being imposed for car theft are not severe enough, especially in Ontario, which is known for having a high rate of car thefts.