News Release | MPP Clark announces, Ontario Investing to Combat Auto Theft in Grenville County

October 15, 2026

KEMPTVILLE — Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, announced today that the Ontario government is investing $187,500 through the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Program to support Grenville County OPP in the fight against auto theft.

The funding will help maintain the downward trend in stolen vehicles across the province, giving police officers more tools and resources to prevent vehicle theft, disrupt criminal networks and protect the community.

“I’m proud that our government is taking action to reduce auto theft by supporting our local police in their work on the frontlines to target the organized criminals responsible,” said MPP Clark. “This $187,500 investment will give Grenville County OPP additional tools and resources to work with their community partners to combat auto theft, disrupt criminal activity and keep our communities safe.”

Through the 2026-27 PAT Grant Program, Ontario is investing an additional $6 million to support 22 police projects across the province, bringing the government’s total investment in the program to $24 million since 2023. The investment builds on broader provincial actions that have helped drive vehicle theft in Ontario down 36 per cent from its peak in 2023.

“We are so pleased to have secured funding through the Provincial Auto Theft Grant Program and look forward to working collaboratively with our municipal partners on an intelligence-led initiative to reduce auto theft and enhance community safety across Grenville County,” said Inspector Lisa Nicholas of Grenville County OPP. “This initiative will strengthen frontline policing through targeted, intelligence-led enforcement while fostering greater collaboration with community partners and key stakeholders. By enhancing intelligence sharing and co-ordinating enforcement efforts, we aim to disrupt organized auto theft networks, improve vehicle recovery, enhance officer safety, and reduce victimization throughout Grenville County.”

“Auto theft is down across Ontario because our government is making it a priority and is giving police the tools and resources they need to go after the organized criminals who are behind it,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “While we are seeing real progress, we will not let up. By investing in Grenville County OPP, we are supporting the work of local police to disrupt criminal networks, prevent auto theft and protect families.”

The Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program provides OPP-policed municipalities, municipal and First Nations police services with specialized training, additional investigative tools and resources and public education and awareness initiatives.