A 61-year-old woman was assaulted, taken hostage and robbed at gun-point by a group of five men, according to York Regional Police.
It was about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday when the woman pulled into her driveway at her Brimley Road and Steeles Avenue home. She had just gotten out of her car when she was accosted by the group of men.
The victim told police the men, who were disguised with masks, threw her to the ground and demanded she give them the keys to her car. One of the men was armed with a handgun and forced her back into her car.
The suspects allegedly demanded the woman surrender her passwords to her bank accounts and assaulted her. She was then driven to several ATM machines where money was reportedly stolen from her bank accounts.
The suspects eventually left the woman inside her car in the area of Don Mills Road and Sheppard Avenue. She called police from a store nearby.
The woman suffered minor injuries as a result of the assault but she was treated and released from hospital.
Authorities are asking anybody who may have seen the suspects or the car to call police at 1-866-876-5423 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
The car is described as a grey, four-door, 2006 Toyota Corolla.
In the meantime, police are reminding drivers to keep this in mind:
- Remember every detail you can about the offender such as their description and clothing
- If a family member or pet is still in the car, tell the carjacker someone else is in the vehicle and reassure them they can have the car, Most of the time, that is all the carjackers truly want
- Always pay attention to your surroundings when you are alone. If you see something suspicious, walk away and call police.
- Always have your keys ready as you are walking towards your car, instead of fumbling for them at the last minute.
- Keep your doors locked and windows up when you are driving
- If you're not in your car, don't leave the keys in the ignition or the car running
