490 arrests, 808 charges in downtown Oshawa under Project Atlantis II

Durham Regional Police's six-month Project Atlantis II resulted in 490 arrests and 808 charges in downtown Oshawa. Drug seizures and targeted patrols were central to the initiative.

Durham Regional Police wrap up six-month crackdown in downtown Oshawa

Durham Regional Police carried out 490 arrests and laid 808 charges in downtown Oshawa between April and September 2026, Toronto Sun Crime reports, as part of a targeted enforcement initiative called Project Atlantis II.

Officers also issued 406 provincial offence notices, responded to 436 calls for service and conducted 307 business and community engagement visits during the six-month operation.

Thousands of patrol hours logged

A key focus of the project was disrupting theft, possession of property obtained by crime, and the sale and distribution of illicit drugs. Throughout the initiative, officers logged 2,120 hours of bicycle patrol, 180 hours of foot patrol and 96 hours of UTV patrol across the downtown core, waterfronts, trails and parks.

Community partners were involved alongside sworn officers in addressing public safety concerns through intelligence-led investigations and direct engagement with residents, businesses and community organizations.

Chief and mayor respond

Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira described the outcome as an example of proactive policing. "Project Atlantis II demonstrates what proactive, community-focused policing looks like," Moreira said in a statement released Friday. "By increasing our visibility, targeting the criminal activity that contributes to disorder and victimization, and working closely with our partners, we are responding directly to the concerns we hear from residents and businesses."

Moreira added that the results go beyond enforcement numbers. "This work is about more than arrests and charges. It is about building relationships, strengthening trust and helping people feel safe in their community."

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter thanked Durham Regional Police Service alongside city by-law enforcement and municipal staff. He cautioned, however, that enforcement alone cannot resolve the issues driving crime in the area. "Mental health, addictions, and homelessness continue to place vulnerable individuals at greater risk and have real impacts on community safety," Carter said.

The mayor said he has been meeting with all levels of government to advance investments in treatment, housing and support services, and to push for stronger legislative tools and greater accountability.

Tips sought

Anyone with information related to Project Atlantis II is asked to contact police at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1708, or reach Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Toronto Sun Crime