York police dismantle stolen vehicle ring being run out of auto shop in Vaughan, Ont.
York Regional Police (YRP) have arrested and charged four people in connection with an investigation into the organized theft, re-vinning and trafficking of stolen vehicles at an auto shop in Vaughan.
Re-vinning refers to the practice of stealing a vehicle and putting what appears to be a legitimate vehicle identification number (VIN) on the front dash, then selling it to a third party who is unaware of the vehicle’s origins.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Police say the investigation began last month and focused on the Royal Customs auto shop on Ritin Lane in Vaughan, which police suspected was being used for trafficking stolen vehicles.
Last week, YRP officers executed a search warrant at the shop and at the home of one of the suspects, leading to the arrest of four people and the location of several stolen vehicles.
Police found two Range Rovers, a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a 2022 Mercedes G Wagon AMG valued at $350,000.
“Officers also located licence plates, re-vinning equipment, documents for changing vehicle registrations, multiple key fobs for reprogramming and three semi-automatic handguns with magazines and ammunition,” YRP said in a press release.
Christian Pangan, 27, Kevin Abaya, 29, Chrisjann Doria, 23, all of Toronto, and Shawn Starr, 25, of East Gwillimbury have collectively been charged with 10 offences, including possession of property obtained by crime and possession of a restricted firearm.
YRP say there’s been an increase in vehicle thefts over the past several years and urge the public to follow these safety tips:
- “If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage, as the majority of the vehicles have been stolen from driveways.
- Use a steering wheel lock. It will also act as a visible deterrent.
- Install a lock on the data port. This simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the computer port where the thieves gain access to reprogram the vehicle’s keys.
- Consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system. Ensure cameras are properly placed and functioning for day and night time use. Familiarize yourself with the system so it can be reviewed and accessed immediately.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.