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Toronto mayor requests help from federal and provincial governments amid alarming increase in car thefts

Toronto mayor requests help from federal and provincial governments amid alarming increase in car thefts

By Arab Canada News

Published: May 20, 2022

Mayor John Tory is requesting help from his counterparts in the federal government and provincial governments as the city deals with a series of violent car thefts he described as a "plague."

The latest series of car thefts occurred on Wednesday night when cars belonging to three separate victims were stolen at gunpoint within just two hours.

Earlier this week, Mitch Marner, a Toronto Maple Leafs forward, was also robbed at gunpoint outside an Etobicoke movie theater and was unharmed in the incident.

On Friday, Tory sent letters to Ontario Attorney General Sylvia Jones and Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, as well as Federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, requesting their assistance in addressing the issue.

In the letters, Tory said there have been 93 car theft incidents in the city so far this year compared to just 21 at this time in 2021.

He said many of those incidents involved "worryingly" the use of weapons and/or violence.

Tory had several specific questions in his letters.

He reiterated a request made by city council to the provincial government in December to establish a task force to combat car thefts in partnership with municipalities, and said he would like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to participate in this task force and provide support as needed.

He also said the Ontario government can provide additional resources to the Toronto Police Service to help deal with the "epidemic" of car thefts.

Furthermore, he said all three levels of government must work together to explore "early solutions."

"I look forward to the work we can do together on this important issue. We simply must act to get better results and I believe it's best done together." "The status quo is simply unacceptable to any of us."

A crime expert shares tips on what to do if armed thieves approach you

Tory pointed out in his letter that the rise in car thefts this year exceeds the increase in every other major crime indicator tracked by the Toronto Police Service.

Crime expert Mark Mendelson said

"If you see someone coming towards your car and you have concerns about that, whether it's one, two, or three people, lock the doors and make some noise by using the panic button. They don't want to attract attention."

However, if there is any threat to your safety, Mendelson says you should comply with demands and relinquish your car.

"If armed people approach you, give it up and leave the car to them. Trying to protect this car is not worth your life."

Mendelson added that if you feel like you are being chased, drive to the police or fire station and call authorities.

If criminals try to steal your car with children inside, Mendelson says they will likely allow you to get the children out before driving off.

Editing: Dima Abu Khair

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