A viral video posted on social media in December depicted a Brampton man filming the remains of his Mustang, specifically the chained-up bumper, after a supposed theft. While some viewers seemed to take the video at face value, it was later revealed to be a skit produced by a creator known for satirical content.
The claim circulating on social media read, “Brampton man has car stolen even though it was CHAINED to his house,” and included the video of the alleged theft. In the clip, the man films the blue Mustang bumper with the Ontario vanity license plate “KAUR” lying on a driveway. He narrates the theft, asserting that thieves had stolen his car while he had secured the bumper with a chain, leading him to humorously conclude, “Welcome to Brampton.”
Despite some users on platforms like X and Instagram originally believing the narrative, viewing it as a commentary on rising crime in Brampton and the perceived inaction of the Ontario government regarding harsher penalties for car theft, the video was ultimately recognized as a satirical piece. Popular creator Mario Zelaya, known for discussing crime in Canada, remarked, “You can’t make this stuff up” in his own post before later clarifying that the video was fake.
Several indicators suggested the video was fabricated. The original video was uploaded by the creator known as AKTVInc, or Amandeep Kang, who is known for producing satirical skits. Kang included the hashtag “skit” in the original Instagram post, which has amassed over two million views. His website describes his content as an “online creative production hub ranging from comedic rants, skits, parodies,” among other formats. Additionally, sharp-eyed viewers pointed out flaws, such as the chain looping through where the Mustang's headlight should be located, which added to the skit’s implausibility.
Contextual clues further indicated the satirical nature of the video, such as the creator’s humorously pun-laden license plate featuring the phrase “Hard Kaur Loss.” After the initial wave of reactions, many creators, including Zelaya, confirmed the video was not a true representation of events.
Car theft has been a pressing concern in Ontario, with incidents frequently occurring in Brampton and neighboring communities. Reports indicate that in August 2024, a shocking video captured thieves stealing a pickup truck from a driveway after ramming it into another vehicle. Earlier that year, police charged a 16-year-old with multiple offenses related to the violent carjacking of a Ferrari from a Brampton driveway. Even Ontario Premier Doug Ford faced a near theft incident himself, as police thwarted a car theft attempt from his Etobicoke residence in June.
Statistical data highlights a significant spike in car thefts within Peel Region, encompassing Brampton, which reached an annual high of 8,322 incidents in 2023. Although thefts have noticeably decreased due to law enforcement crackdowns, with Peel Regional Police reporting 4,375 thefts from January to October 31, 2024, a reduction of around 31% from the same timeframe in 2023, the issue remains a hot topic.
Political leaders have cast the spotlight on crime, particularly auto theft, during election campaigns. Mark Carney announced his crime platform in Brampton, directly addressing auto thefts. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre voiced his intention to repeal house arrests for serious offenders and career criminals, emphasizing that “career car thieves” should not be able to serve their sentences at home. In response to growing concerns surrounding crime, the government tabled a proposed crime bill in October 2024 aimed at making bail laws stricter and toughening sentencing related to auto thefts.
