Authorities say four new police helicopters Ontario is purchasing will help combat the car theft crisis and aid in the search for missing vulnerable people.

The helicopters will be used by four police services: Toronto, Durham Regional, Halton Regional, and Peel Regional.

Currently, two forces in the area have one helicopter each that they share with other police forces based on need and timing.

According to Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, the Ontario Provincial Police will purchase four helicopters at a cost of about $36 million and the province has earmarked $10 million to operate them over the next three years.

Kerzner says as criminals are getting more sophisticated, so is the government.

Durham Regional police deputy chief Chris Kirkpatrick notes that the helicopter its force owns has been invaluable.

Kirkpatrick says the chopper that is equipped with thermal imaging has helped track down those fleeing police and vulnerable people lost in offbeat areas.

Toronto police says the new helicopters will aid in response to violent crimes such as home invasions and carjackings.