Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw has reported a significant surge in carjackings within the first three months of 2024, revealing that the city has already experienced more than double the number compared to the same period last year. New data released on Monday by Toronto police confirms a total of 68 carjackings since January 1st, marking a staggering 106 percent increase from 2023. Demkiw expressed concern over the escalating levels of violence, threats, and intimidation associated with car theft, noting instances where suspects resort to using weapons during the thefts.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Demkiw disclosed that auto thefts in Toronto last year amounted to over 12,200 vehicles, translating to approximately 34 vehicles stolen daily or one every 40 minutes. Recognizing the community’s apprehensions, he assured continued proactive measures by law enforcement. The issue of auto theft has persisted in Toronto and throughout Ontario for several years, with 9,821 cars stolen in 2022 and 6,642 in 2021, according to Toronto police data.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Toronto Police Service, in collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police, initiated the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force (PCJTF) in 2023. Since its inception on September 21, 2023, the task force has made significant strides, with 121 suspects arrested, 730 charges laid, and 157 stolen vehicles recovered.
Demkiw also raised concerns about the rising incidents of break-and-enters associated with auto theft, which have surged to 34 cases already this year, surpassing the 22 reported incidents in the entirety of 2023. These updated statistics follow clarified guidance from the force regarding break-and-enters related to auto theft, issued in response to controversial advice given by an officer to leave car keys at the front door to deter home invasions. While acknowledging the backlash received, Demkiw emphasized the force’s ongoing efforts to combat these crimes and directed the public to the Toronto Police Service’s website for preventive measures against home invasions.
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