The number of car thefts in York has more than doubled so far this year, which is part of the disturbing trend after we have seen a decline since 2019.

York Regional Police Chief Jim Maxwell told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday: "Over a five-year period, we have seen a 400 percent increase in thefts, which is a shocking percentage and represents a shock to the victims and their families."

There have been a total of 64 thefts in the area since January, representing a 106 percent increase over the same time period in 2023.

Maxwell stated that the area has also seen a 92 percent increase in shootings, with a total of 46 in the area since January.

These numbers come as police released the latest crime statistics for the area amid what they call a "surge" in violent crime.

Maxwell added, "Almost all the guns used in these crimes are illegal handguns, many of which are smuggled across the border from the United States."

He explained that "this increase in gun violence can be attributed to organized crime gangs that acquire illegal handguns and use them to commit a number of crimes."

He said organized crime is behind the increases in car thefts and the ongoing rivalry among towing truck owners.

The police chief said: "As we continue to see some truck organizations resorting to both armed violence and arson as a means to threaten their business competitors, this trend in violent crime is a major concern and will remain a top priority for York Regional Police for the remaining months of 2024 and we will continue as we move into 2025."

He said the police will launch two key initiatives next month - a dedicated task force for thefts, and a comprehensive campaign to prevent auto thefts to educate the community on how to protect themselves and their vehicles.

The police chief mentioned that while speeding incidents have increased, they have decreased by 33 percent compared to the same period in 2023.

He praised the work of officers, as well as partner agencies and organizations concerned with reducing speeding-related crimes.

Targeting all fifteen homicides

The police chief also addressed the homicide gangs in the area, saying that "crime has spread significantly and alarmingly."

There have been 15 homicides in York so far this year, with five occurring in the past few weeks since July 25.

Maxwell said: "All the victims in these cases were targeted as these were not random crimes."

He added, "However, we understand that these crimes can shake our community to its core and are extremely tragic for the victims and their family members and loved ones."

The force expressed particular concern about the increase in intimate partner violence.

Vice President Alvaro Almeida stated: "Homicides related to gender-based violence and intimate partner violence are a significant concern for us."

"So this is something we continue to grapple with, and we urge community members to help us by giving us a heads up that something is brewing."

Police remain vigilant about hate crimes

Hate crimes in the area have also increased by four percent so far this year compared to the same period last year.

Maxwell stated: "Over the past year, we have all certainly seen how global events can easily affect our local community."

He noted that communities need to remain vigilant and work with police to ensure safety, pointing out that spaces in York have also been threatened amid nationwide bomb threats targeting Jewish organizations over the past two weeks.

Maxwell said: "When such incidents occur, our officers are proactive and communicate with our security leaders and visit places of worship to ensure there is no threat to the community and ensure people feel safe."

He emphasized that "York is one of the most diverse communities across Canada, making it a great place to live and raise a family, but there is no tolerance for hate."

He urged anyone witnessing such an incident to contact the police immediately.