Toronto/IBNS: Aiming to curb car thieves and organized crime in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Ottawa, the Ontario government is investing $134 million to purchase five new police helicopters equipped with the latest technology to safeguard highways and roadways from violent carjackings, auto theft, street racing and impaired driving.

“Our government...ensure that police services have the tools and resources...auto theft and car thieves...new technologies and innovative policing strategies to tackle guns and gangs...to put the criminals behind bars and keep our communities safe,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said.

Besides acquiring two new H135 helicopters by the Ontario Provincial Police, as part of a new Joint Air Support Unit, three more helicopters owned and operated by Durham, Halton and Peel Regional Police Services will be procured to support current patrols, improve response times and provide support to Ottawa and Toronto Police Services.

Building on the province’s $51 million investment to support the Ontario Police Services (OPP’s) Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team and Ontario’s Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team, the 2024 Ontario Budget had announced an investment in new helicopters.

Supporting the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in Ontario, the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario would ensure police services have the resources to respond to major incidents and urgent situations.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)