FOG BLOG JUSTICE LOG: RASH OF CAR THEFTS ON THE RISE IN TORONTO, LEAFS MARNER HAD RANGE ROVER STOLEN

Police have increased patrols in some parts of the city amid rise in carjackings Police say that they have increased patrols in several areas of the city, which have been the site of violent carjackings over the last few weeks.

The latest string of carjackings occurred Wednesday night when three separate victims had their vehicles stolen at gunpoint in the span of only two hours.

Earlier this week, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner also had his Range Rover stolen at gunpoint outside an Etobicoke movie theatre. He was uninjured in the incident. All told, Toronto police say that there have been 93 carjackings reported through the first five months of 2022 compared to 103 during all of 2021. They say that 64 of those incidents have involved weapons and are being investigated by the hold up squad.

“We have dedicated special resources to look into these carjacking investigations and we have increased patrols in areas that have been targeted. We want to reassure the public that we have allocated our resources to ensure public safety,” Const. Alex Li told CP24 on Friday afternoon. “But we also want the assistance of community members. If you see something, say something. Anything suspicious, whether you see a suspicious type of vehicle or a group of people, give us a call and let us investigate the incident.”

Li said that in light of the violent incidents, drivers should remember to always keep their car doors locked when they are behind the wheel.

But he said that if approached by individuals intent on stealing their vehicle, confrontations should be avoided at all costs.

“Give up the vehicle, get to a place of safety and immediately call 911,” he said.