Car thieves have reportedly attempted to access the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) database, a gold mine containing the make, model of vehicles and the addresses of their owners.
It’s a new technique criminals are using to locate cars to target, according to Peel Deputy Police Chief Nick Milinovich. “[Ces derniers] “They are doing everything they can to locate these vehicles. We’ve even seen them try to access MTO records,” he told CTV News in an interview.
According to him, access to information is of paramount importance for these members of organized crime. He even goes so far as to say the tactic “could include access to checks through the Department of Transportation.”
Asked about this by CTV News, the MTO was unable to confirm Mr. Milinovich’s information. “Anyone accessing personal information is subject to internal controls and security checks,” said a spokesperson for the MTO, referring to government staff.
“It looks like we’re in serious trouble. I think we’ve all been warned about this over the years, that relying on digital for everything is going to come back to haunt us, and I think if that happens to the MTO, there’s a lot more to worry about,” said Jason, who had his Land Rover stolen last week. He declined to give his last name for fear of being targeted by thieves again.
Note that last December, Toronto police revealed that Service Ontario employees had disclosed personal information of several Ontarians to suspects.
