Carjackings in Toronto have more than doubled in 2024: police chief
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw says three months into 2024, the city has already seen more than double the number of carjackings it did this time last year.
According to new statistics released Monday, Toronto police confirmed there have been 68 carjackings since Jan. 1 – a 106 per cent increase over the same time period in 2023.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Demkiw said the city has witnessed an overall escalation of “violence, threats and intimidation” related to car theft, including suspects who use weapons to steal vehicles.
In total, police said the number of auto thefts in Toronto last year topped 12,200 vehicles.
"That's 34 vehicles every day. That's one every 40 minutes," Demkiw said at a news conference. "We know this is a concern for our communities and we are continuing to take action."
Auto theft has been an ongoing problem in the city and throughout Ontario for the last several years. In 2022, Toronto police data shows that 9,821 cars were stolen. In 2021, that number was 6,642.
As a result, in 2023, the Toronto Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police teamed up to launch the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force (PCJTF) to combat the issue.
Since Sept. 21, 2023, Toronto police said the unit has arrested 121 suspects, laid 730 charges and recovered 157 stolen vehicles.
Demkiw added that break-and-enters related to auto theft are also on the rise and have already climbed to 34 incidents so far this year, eclipsing the 22 reported incidents for all of 2023.
The updated statistics from Toronto police follow clarified guidance from the force last week on break-and-enters related to auto theft.
The force issued the advisory in response to an officer who told residents to leave their car keys at the front door to prevent home invasions. Police said although the advice was “well-meaning” there are “better ways to prevent auto theft-motivated home invasions.”
Demkiw acknowledged the force has received some “backlash” following the officer’s comments on Feb. 27 and stressed the ongoing efforts by police to combat break-and-enters related to auto theft in the city.
"…We continue our efforts to not only disrupt but actually arrest, apprehend, and hold people accountable who are committing these types of crimes and we're doing so on a very significant scale,” he said.
The chief pointed reporters to the Toronto Police Service’s website for tips on how to prevent home invasions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants and bounties for six activists including two Canadians
Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests.
What is flagpoling? A new ban on the practice is starting to take effect
Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as 'flagpoling.'
U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
Read Trudeau's Christmas message
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full.
Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights
American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive.
Economists say more room to fall as Canadian dollar continues downward trend
Experts say the next few months are going to be rough for the Canadian dollar as it appears set to continue its downward trend.
How much is too much alcohol over the holidays? A doctor explains
The holidays are here, as are the parties, happy hours and other get-togethers that often offer abundant mixed drinks, beer and wine.
Quebec fugitive gunned down leaving gym in Mexican resort town
RCMP are confirming that a fugitive, Mathieu Belanger, wanted by Quebec provincial police has died in Mexico, in what local media are calling a murder.
Justin Baldoni's 'Man Enough' podcast co-host Liz Plank announces her departure
Justin Baldoni's 'Man Enough' podcast co-host Liz Plank announced she's stepping away from the show after actress Blake Lively accused the actor and director of sexual harassment and a smear campaign in a civil rights complaint last week.