Mayor John Torrey is asking his colleagues in the federal and provincial governments for help, as the city is dealing with a series of violent thefts, which he described as a “plague”.
The latest series of car thefts took place on Wednesday night, when three separate victims had their vehicles stolen at gunpoint in just two hours.
Earlier this week, Toronto Maple Leafs striker Mitch Marner also stole his Range Rover with a gun in front of Etobicoke. He remained unharmed in the accident.
On Friday, Torrey sent letters to Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones and Ontario Treasury Secretary Peter Betlenfalvi, as well as to Federal Secretary of Public Safety Marco Mendicino and Federal Secretary of Transportation Omar Algabra, asking for their help.
In letters, Tori said there have been 93 car thefts in the city so far this year, compared to just 21 at the moment in 2021.
Many of these incidents, he said, were “alarmingly” involving the use of weapons and / or violence.
“This situation and the trend line cannot continue, and I am writing to ask for your help,” he said. “I am confident that by working together in partnership, all three levels of government – together with the Toronto Police Department and other local police services in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area – can turn the tide of increasing car theft.
Torrey had a few specific questions in his letters.
He reiterated a request from the city council made by the provincial government in December to set up a working group on car theft in partnership with municipalities, and said he would like the RCMP to partner and provide support to this working group if needed. .
He also said the Ontario government could provide additional resources to the Toronto Police Department to help tackle the “epidemic” of car theft.
He also said that all three levels of government should work together to explore “upstream decisions”, such as steps that could be taken on the assembly line.
“I look forward to the work we can do together on this important issue. “We just have to act to get better results, and I think that could be best done together,” he said. “The status quo is simply not acceptable to any of us.
Crime expert shares tips on what to do if you turn to armed thieves
In his letter, Tori said the increase in car thefts this year exceeds the increase in any other major crime indicator monitored by the Toronto Police Department.
Speaking to CP24 earlier in the day, crime expert Mark Mendelssohn said car thefts could be on the rise because these thefts are easier than using keychain theft technology from inside the home to unlock parked vehicles. funds.
“It’s easier than being out in the middle of the night with a computer playing around in someone’s alley. It’s a much simpler way, although the car crashes that occur are quite complex, “he told CP24 on Friday morning.
“It starts and ends in thirty seconds and, you know, they don’t care about the witnesses who pass by, that’s not their problem,” he added.
Mendelssohn also shared some tips on how to protect yourself if you are targeted.
“If you see someone coming to your car and you are worried about it, whether it’s two or three people, you will lock the doors and you can set the alarm with your keychain. Make some noise, they don’t want that, they don’t want to attract attention, “he said.
However, if there is any threat to your safety, Mendelssohn says to comply with the requirements and give up your car.
“If you are approached by people who are armed, hand it over and leave the car with them, it can be replaced. It’s just not worth your life trying to protect this vehicle. “
Mendelssohn added that if you feel you are being followed, drive to the police or fire station and call the authorities.
“There’s nothing wrong with going to the nearest police station or fire station, sounding the car alarm, calling 911, making a noise to get attention. The police will not be annoyed if it turns out to be a fake call. That’s not a problem, given what’s happening here right now. “
If criminals try to steal your car with children inside, Mendelssohn says they will probably allow you to take the children out before you pick up the vehicle.
“I suspect that if they steal you when you want to get your child out of the car seat, that may not be a problem. “This is a dilemma that they do not want to face and hopefully no one should face this position,” he said.
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