The province of Ontario will give Peel Police $18-million dollars over three years to help fight auto theft and dismantle organized-crime networks.

The money will go toward buying new software, G-P-S tracking devices, specialized training for investigators, creating new units dedicated to auto theft and more.

Peel Region, which includes Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, has the highest per-capita number of stolen vehicles in Ontario — at about 20 cars a day.

Friday’s announcement comes amidst rising auto theft numbers in Ontario. In the first half of 2023, there were 5,077 vehicles reported stolen in Toronto, according to the province. Ontario-wide, the number of car thefts were 31% higher in the first six months of the year compared to the same period in 2022.