Waterloo Regional Police Recover 52 Stolen Luxury Vehicles, Charge Three Males in North Dumfries Chop Shop Investigation

The Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Break, Enter, and Vehicle Theft (BEVT) Team has laid charges against three males after uncovering 52 stolen high-end vehicles in a large-scale vehicle theft operation located in the Township of North Dumfries.

On November 23, 2024, investigators with the BEVT Team responded to a report of a stolen Toyota Tundra found at a business on Darrell Drive. The vehicle had previously been reported stolen from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Upon attending the location, officers arrested two males.

During their investigation at the property, officers discovered a large illegal chop shop—a facility used to dismantle stolen vehicles for the resale of parts or to reuse components in other stolen vehicles. Numerous vehicles were observed in various stages of disassembly.

With support from investigators from the Équité Association, officers executed a search warrant at the property. They recovered the stolen Toyota Tundra, along with two late-model Lexus vehicles, also reported stolen from the GTA. As the investigation progressed, a third male was arrested at the same location on November 24, 2024.

In total, 52 stolen luxury vehicles were recovered, including three intact units. The remaining vehicles had been stripped for parts. The majority of recovered vehicles were models commonly targeted in reprogramming thefts, such as Toyota Highlanders, Toyota Tundras, Lexus RX350s, Dodge Rams, and Ford F150s.

The estimated value of the recovered vehicles is approximately $4 million, with an additional $80,000 in tools and three forklifts seized as offence-related property.

Investigators believe the operation began in October 2024 and that stolen parts were being shipped overseas to support the repair of other stolen vehicles.

As a result, a 73-year-old male and a 36-year-old male, both residents of Cambridge, along with a 29-year-old male from North Dumfries, have been charged with Possession of Stolen Property Over $5,000. All three are scheduled to appear in Kitchener court on January 6, 2025.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the BEVT Team at 519-570-9777 ext. 8255.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

Tips to Help Prevent Vehicle Theft

• Block access to the onboard diagnostic (OBD) port or install an aftermarket immobilizer to deter key fob reprogramming.
• Use a steering wheel lock as a visual deterrent.
• Store key fobs in radio-frequency shielding bags/pouches to block remote signal relays.
• Install an aftermarket GPS tracker to help police locate a stolen vehicle.
• Use a wired camera system and audible alarm, as suspects may use devices that jam wireless systems.
• Always account for all keys and never leave them inside or unattended in the vehicle.
• Before purchasing a vehicle, consult the Équité Association website for a list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada.
• Report suspicious activity, such as individuals inspecting vehicles, to police immediately to help investigators identify patterns and suspects.

In-progress crimes should be reported by calling 9-1-1. Non-emergency incidents can be reported by calling 519-570-9777.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service continues to prioritize auto theft prevention as a recipient of funding through the Ontario Government’s Preventing Auto Theft Grant.