19-year-old faces 71 charges for alleged theft of over $1.2M worth of cars

A 19-year-old Montreal man has been arrested and faces 71 charges following an ongoing car theft investigation.

According to Toronto Police, between November 20, 2018 and December 22, 2018, a male was allegedly engaged in “an organized automobile theft operation.”

Police say the organized group targeted only high-end newer model Lexus and Toyota vehicles in the early hours of the morning, and the approximate value of vehicles stolen is $1,260,000.

In total, investigators say 36 separate vehicles were stolen.

And on July 19, Kevin Ramnaraine was arrested and charged with: 35 counts of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, 35 counts of Commit Indictable Offence for Criminal Organization and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

Police are recommending the following to prevent your car from being stolen:

– Park in well-lit area
– Do not leave car running or keys in car
– Steering Wheel Club lock
– Wheel Boot/Chock
– OBD (On Board Diagnostic) Port Lock
– Aftermarket Ignition Kill Switch
– Intelligent radio-frequency identification (RFID) car immobilizer
– Aftermarket Alarm System
– Place keys in Faraday bag
– Park in garage

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).