Toronto commuters who bury their heads into video games on their smart phones or emails on their tablets could be surprised to find a police officer tapping them on the shoulder on Wednesday with tips on how to keep their portable electronics from being stolen.
Toronto police officers will appear on north-end buses Wednesday evening as part of Project Rope – an attempt to save commuters from becoming the target of thieves.
"This whole smart phone wave that hit is getting pretty serious in terms of crime. People are getting their phones stolen all across the city," said 42 Division Const. Gary Gomez.
Gomez said riders distracted by their iPhones and other gadgets make easy targets on the bus, and can also be followed off the bus and targeted later.
One common ploy is for another rider to ask the victim for the time. When the person checks the phone, the suspect will grab the device and flee.
Gomez says anyone can be the target of theft. He says riders should be aware of their surroundings while on public transit and keep their electronic devices secure and out of sight.
"It is important that you are being aware and not being distracted when you shouldn't be distracted. You need all your senses available," Gomez said. "The bandits know that. They know that you are going to be distracted and are watching for it."
Project Rope will run between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday on buses running between Victoria Park Avenue and Pickering, north of Highway 401 and south of Steeles Avenue East.
