12 minute read
TURF WAR TOILS ON
BAD APPLES BUSTED
Three OPP officers charged for corruption in tow truck industry
BY ALLISON ROGERS
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged three of their own veteran officers and suspended four others over allegations of corruption related to the province’s tow truck industry. The OPP have also charged Sutheshkumar Sithambarpillay, owner of Steve’s Towing.
All three officers are charged with secret commissions and breach of trust, while Bridle faces an additional charge of obtaining sexual services for consideration.
The force alleges the accused officers provided preferential treatment to towing companies within the Greater Toronto Area. The charges and suspensions stemmed from an investigation first launched in October 2019.
OPP also announced they charged 52-yearold Sithambarpillay with aiding and abetting breach of trust and secret commissions contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. Sithambarpillay, who goes by the name Steve Pillai, is the owner of Steve’s Towing, which is located near Highway 400 north of Sheppard Avenue in North York. He had previously appeared on Discovery Canada’s Heavy Rescue 401.
The officers facing charges all have at least 20 years of service with the OPP and served with either its Highway Safety Division or the Toronto detachment; Const. Simon Bridle and Const. Mohammed Ali Hussain were both arrested in early January, while a warrant is out for the arrest of Const. Bindo Showan. All three are charged with secret commissions and breach of trust, while Bridle faces an additional charge of obtaining sexual services for consideration.
OPP says the four other officers remain under investigation but are not currently facing any criminal charges.
In the days following the charges, further events unfolded in Toronto’s
As the GTA continues fighting a two-year tow truck turf war, Police investigate two separate shootings involving two tow trucks near highway 401 in North York on January 20.
Police said that several callers reported hearing multiple gunshots in the area of Jane Street and Grandravine Drive just before 8 p.m.
A black car drove past a tow truck parked on the grass off the on-ramp from Avenue Road to the 401 and opened fire, according to police statements. Upon arrival, officers confirmed two vehicles and a residence has sustained damage from gunfire.
At the second shooting of the night, a tow truck driver was parked at a gas station parking lot next to the 401, when a dark coloured car pulled up and a gunman opened fire, police say.
The vehicle drove away from the scene; but no injuries have been reported, and Police are now looking for suspects and believe there are multiple shooters involved.
Sutheshkumar Sithambarpillay, owner of Steve’s Towing, was also charged. He had previously appeared on Discovery Canada’s Heavy Rescue: 401.
VIVA VENTRESCA
Thorold Auto Parts is giving it up for an industry veteran who has been with the company for 35 years. Sales manager, Mike Ventresca, recently celebrated his 35th year at the shop where he was first hired back in the mid-’80s. “I was hired back in ‘86,” said Ventresca in a phone interview with Collision Repair. “I was working at an auto wrecker at the time, then I came to Thorold. I was in the yard for about six months until I was brought up to sales and I’ve been with the company ever since.” For the past 15 years, Ventresca has led the sales team at Thorold Auto and he has seen it all. Despite such a long and successful tenure in the industry, Ventresca has no intention of leaving the shop any time soon. “I’m not even thinking about retiring any time soon. I’ve probably got another five, six, seven years left in me, as long as I’m healthy. I enjoy it. They’re great people to work for and Frank [Serravalle, owner] has been great to me. Prior to that, they were always good to me.”
KEEPING TABS
The government of Saskatchewan has introduced legislation with the aim of tightening up regulations surrounding scrap metal theft in the province. The legislation includes an update to the Pawned Property Amendment Act and the requirements for reporting for scrap metal dealers. The changes would require that dealers obtain and record the identification and transaction information of the client from whom they are purchasing scrap metal, as well as the imposition of further restrictions on cash transactions in the attempt to curb the anonymous sale of stolen scrap metal. Theft of scrap metal, copper wiring and automotive parts has been on the rise nationwide over the last several years. However, the isolation of many rural residences in Saskatchewan makes the province an even more appealing home base for would-be thieves.
Join Collision Repair in celebrating Thorold Auto Parts sale manager Mike Ventresca’s 35th anniversary with the company! Ventresca has been with the company since 1986, working alongside current owner Frank Serravalle’s father, the late Lenny Serravalle.
The government of Saskatchewan is aiming to tighten up regulations around scrap metal theft in the province.
ANOTHER CATALYTIC CONUNDRUM
A Newfoundland auto recycler is in the hole for $8000 worth of scrap auto parts after thieves cut their way into a metal shipping container to grab the items. Leaving a square hole making that looked as though it were cut by an oversized can-opener, thieves managed to make off with copper wire, car batteries and catalytic converters from Newco Metal and Auto Recycling in Marystown, Newfoundland.
The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association is thrilled to welcome its newest member, RePowered Batteries. RePowered Batteries, headquartered in Gatineau, Quebec, takes electric vehicle batteries and repurposes them for future use in everything from solar power storage systems to grocery store grids. “RePowered Batteries take batteries from end-of-life electric vehicles and dismantle to build new batteries for micro-grid systems. Like a big backup battery,” said Julien Lemay, CEO of RePowered Batteries. “The goal is to give batteries a second life—to extend the life of electric vehicle batteries, reduce the reliance on new material and also delay their recycling so that methods have improved by the time they get to recycling and metal extraction.” Last year, RePowered Batteries set up its pilot plant to produce its proof-ofconcept. The company plans to soon open its manufacturing plant in Gatineau, Quebec. Lemay is also the founder of the Canadian Second Life Battery Assocation, an organization advocating as a unified voice for second-life battery manufacturers. You can learn more about the organization by visiting cslba.ca.
Julien Lemay, CEO of Repowered Batteries, the latest company to join OARA.
MEET THE PROS OF THE CANADIAN AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING INDUSTRY
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
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PDR Canada uses industry leading tools and training exclusive to PDR Canada to repair vehicles. We train PDR Techs how to fix minor dents and door dings, as well as more advanced Paintless Dent Repair methods. Call Domenic Serra at 780-953-4739 or email domenic@pdrcanada.ca for further information on which programs are running.
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Qapter – Solera’s new end-to-end automotive claims workflow platform – streamlines the claims process by combining their patent pending Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Machine Learning and Deep Learning technologies. The result is a single, smart claims platform paired with an expansive, world class data set that gets smarter by the day.
MaxiSYS Ultra
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The MaxiSYS Ultra is Autel’s most ambitious diagnostics tablet to date, featuring a 12.9-inch touchscreen Android-based tablet powered by an Octa-core processor and 256GB memory. The Ultra features the MaxiFlash VCMI, a 5-in-1 communication and testing tool providing the latest DoIP, D-PDU and Mega CAN protocols. The VCMI also functions as a 4-channel oscilloscope, waveform generator, multimeter and CanBUS tester. The Ultra offers the most Intelligent Diagnostics with topology module mapping for supported vehicles, guided repair information and illustrations.
asTech Remote Diagnostic Device
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The asTech Remote Diagnostic Device uses OEM factory scan tools to search for, identify and resolve the diagnostic, electronic, and computer related trouble codes resulting from collisions. This device has been noted to improve efficiency in automotive repair shops by helping control severity, improve cycle times, reduce loss of use, meet more guaranteed completion dates, secure better results for the DRP partners and loyal customers all while keeping the car in the production lane at the repair facility. Remote Diagnostics Scanner
AIRPRO DIAGNOSTICS
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Trusted by Canada’s top-rated auto repair college program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, AirPro’s diagnostic scanner provides its users with remote diagnostics analysis and generates reports based on OEM-validated repair procedures. Claiming to include methods on 98 per cent of repair reports, this remote scanner allows technicians to communicate directly with the vehicle for real-time functionality.
ScanSafe OPUS IVS
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OPUS IVS, formerly Drew Technologies, recently announced its new collision scanning software, ScanSafe. ScanSafe is a comprehensive scanning solution that brings together OEM scanning, aftermarket quick scanning, calibration, programming and live diagnostic support through a consistent user interface that integrates into the existing workflow, making it easy to conduct all scans. The patented technology and remote flash programming provide the Opus IVS core solutions of OEM Scan, QuickScan, IVS 360, and RAP (Remote Assisted Programming). IVS360 connects the shop with 100+ brand-specific master technicians to help interpret trouble codes, review OEM service procedures, and provide diagnostic assistance directly through the tool.
OBDII Scan Tool BLUE DRIVER
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BlueDriver’s OBDII Scan Tool comes with an advanced code-reading software along with compatibility with any vehicle with an OBDII port. This inexpensive, but effective product reads and clears codes, offers repair reports, a smog check, live data and freeze frame data, along with mode 6 advanced test results. The bluetooth scanner is compatible with IOS or Android devices and is a “one and done” purchase, free of ads or in-app purchases. The OBDII Scan Tool is ranked #1 on Amazon and comes with a 180-day risk-free return policy as well as a 1 year limited warranty.
ADASthink ADASTHINK
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is easy-to-use tool is a new way for shops to pull a vehicle’s advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) and required calibrations. By analyzing pre-determined estimates, ADASthink automatically pulls the inputted vehicles features based on repair operations provided in the estimate. Covering a wide range of vehicle manufacturers with select models between 2013 and 2021, this system will assist in any shop’s scanning process. MaxiIRT IR100
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is infrared thermal camera integrates surface temperature measurement and real-time thermal image. e device’s central point measurement cursor can be used to quickly and accurately locate and measure the temperature of the target object, and potential problems will be shown on the 8.9 cm (3.5 in.) colour display screen. e product is provided with a visible light camera, and up to 50,000 thermal and visible images can be stored in the device to be read through USB, or stored in a computer to generate a report for print. e device comes with a 5000m rechargeable lithium-ion battery for four hours of use per charge.
G-Scan 3 G-SCAN
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G-Scan has released its third model of diagnostic scanners, the G-Scan 3. is device runs on the Android 6.0 operating system for fast and smart functionality. e G-Scan 3 has the features you need to have an easy and extensive experience in diagnosing complex issues. With a 25 cm (10.1”) LCD capacitive screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, 13 Megapixel rear camera, and rechargeable 6300 Ah the G-Scan battery makes for a very user-friendly interface.
MaxiSYS MA600CAL3
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e MA600CAL3 expansion package includes the new MA600RAP Mounting Plate. e MA600RAP expands the capability of your MA600 to perform radar and night vision calibrations on vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Front Collision Warning and Night Vision systems. Also included are the Radar Calibration Box, Radar Calibration Plate, ACC Refl ector and Night Vision Calibration Box (VW/Audi, GM & Porsche).
Level 5 Drive
LEVEL 5 DRIVE
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Level 5 Drive provides dedicated ADAS calibration services to collision repair, auto glass, rental and mechanical repair companies. Level 5 Drive will pick up the vehicle that needs to be calibrated, and take it back to the laboratory setting where they test as many variables as possible in order to provide accurate and repeatable results. ADAS is easy through stepby-step precise calibration and proper documentation before returning the vehicle to your shop in the correct state.
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