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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
The Indian couple killed in a wrong-way police chase crash on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.