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Addressing the Surge in Car Thefts: Toronto Police Officer’s Controversial Recommendation
In response to the alarming increase in car thefts plaguing Toronto, Constable Marco Ricciardi of the Toronto Police Service (TPS) made a controversial suggestion during a community safety meeting in Etobicoke. He advised residents to leave their car keys in the front door to deter violent home invasions, emphasizing that thieves primarily target vehicles and not other belongings when breaking into homes.
The Rising Crime Rate
Toronto is facing a crisis with a car stolen every six minutes, resulting in an annual cost of nearly $1 billion, according to the Canadian Finance and Leasing Association (CFLA). Moreover, the city has experienced a 400% increase in home invasions and break-ins related to auto thefts, indicating a disturbing trend of rising violence and the use of firearms by criminals targeting vehicles, as reported by Global News.
Expert Safety Recommendations
In light of Constable Ricciardi’s controversial tip, the Toronto Police Service has issued a statement outlining alternative ways to prevent auto theft motivated home invasions. Their recommendations include parking vehicles in garages when possible, ensuring well-lit driveways, installing security cameras, activating home security systems, and implementing various safety measures to protect homes and vehicles.
- Park vehicles in a garage, if possible
- Ensure driveways are well lit and exterior lights remain on at night
- Install security cameras
- Activate home security system with alarms
- Utilize motion detection alarms connected to cell phones
- Apply security film on windows and doors
- Use multipoint door locks
- Secure backyard gates and ground windows
- Avoid posting vacation plans on social media
- Report suspicious activities to the police
Public Response and Debate
The suggestion to leave keys in a faraday bag by the front door to prevent remote access by thieves has sparked intense debate. Former litigator, Viva Frei, criticized the situation on social media, highlighting concerns about current gun laws, criminal activities, and the perceived need for citizens to sacrifice property for personal safety in Canada.
Welcome to @JustinTrudeau’s Canada.
Where guns are illegal. Except criminals have them, and you don’t.
And the police are imploring you to leave your keys at the front door so armed criminals can steal your cars, and hopefully spare your life.
It’s been a while since I’ve said… pic.com/I24IhC1LNF
— Viva Frei (@thevivafrei) March 14, 2024
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