Peel Police’s BEAR Unit Shows Early Impact on Organized Property Crime
Region of Peel – In the first three months of the pilot, the Break and Enter and Auto Response (BEAR) Unit has made significant arrests, recovered many vehicles and laid over 160 charges, disrupting organized property crime across Peel Region.
Launched on Sept. 1, the BEAR Unit is a specialized plainclothes team targeting organized break-and-enter and auto-related crimes. The pilot is designed to enhance enforcement, strengthen victim support, and proactively disrupt criminal networks affecting communities across Peel Region.
To date, the unit has delivered measurable results through targeted enforcement and coordinated investigations, including:
- 21 arrests
- 165 charges
- 80 vehicles recovered
Supporting victims is a core priority of the BEAR pilot. Officers successfully and proactively engaged with 95 per cent of identified victims within 72 hours of reporting, providing timely information, support and resources – including crime prevention materials, an online evidence submission portal, and opportunities for feedback.
Beyond enforcement, the unit focuses on prevention and strengthening community relationships through community meetings, partnerships with shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, and property managers, and the distribution of crime prevention and educational materials across the region.
Residents can access crime prevention tips for break-and-enters and auto theft by visiting peelpolice.ca/crimeprevention.
The BEAR Unit will continue until March 2026 and will be evaluated, with early results indicating meaningful outcomes for victims and the community.
Anyone with information about break-and-enter or auto-related crime is encouraged to contact the BEAR unit at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
QUICK FACTS
- The BEAR Unit was launched as a pilot in September 2025
- In the first three months, the unit made 21 arrests, laid 165 charges, and recovered 80 vehicles.
QUOTE
“The BEAR Unit is making a real impact on organized property crime, dismantling networks that target our residents and businesses and strengthening relationships with the communities we serve. Through proactive enforcement, collaboration, and prevention, we are making Peel Region safer and sending a clear message that crime will not be tolerated."
- Deputy Chief Marc Andrews, Peel Regional Police
SOCIAL MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT
Media Relations Officer
Email: media.relations@peelpolice.ca
Phone: 905-453-2121, ext. 4027
N/R # 25-336
Peel Regional Police - A Safer Community Toger
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