Video of brazen carjackings released by police north of Toronto
Police in York Region have released new video footage of a series of brazen carjackings as they warn drivers about a spike in violent incidents targeting luxury vehicles.
The compilation posted to social media on Monday shows four recent carjacking incidents, each using a slightly different approach.
In the first incident, the suspects appear to deliberately stage a collision in a busy intersection. One of them then gets out of their damaged car and flags down a vehicle the pair were targeting.
But instead of asking for help, the suspect forcefully pulls the driver out of the vehicle and then hops in and speeds away from the scene.
In another incident, two suspects are seen walking up a driveway as a victim parks their higher-end SUV in their garage. The suspects then grab the keys from the victim off camera and hop into the vehicle. Police say that the victim closed the garage door from the outside in an attempt to stop the thieves from getting away with his vehicle.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
However, seconds later the SUV is seen smashing through the garage door, reversing out of the driveway and speeding away down the street as the victim gives chase.
A third incident takes place at a gas station. In the footage a victim is shown getting out of their vehicle, presumably to fill it up. But within seconds they are approached by two hooded suspects who proceed to get into the vehicle and drive away.
The fourth and final incident takes place in a busy shopping mall parking lot. The footage shows the suspects following a vehicle into the lot in a white truck. One of them then gets out after the vehicle is parked and confronts the driver.
In a news release, York Regional Police said that carjacking incidents like the ones included in the compilation have more than doubled since 2019.
They said that while more than 65 per cent of the incidents were solved in 2022, drivers need to be aware that thieves are constantly changing their approaches.
“Officers have remained active and aggressive in efforts to combat these issues, including initiating several major projects which have led to hundreds of arrests, significant charges laid and hundreds of vehicles being recovered in the last year. Despite this success, thieves are constantly developing new methods to accomplish these crimes,” the release warns.
Police say that most stolen vehicles are taken from their owners’ driveway between midnight and 6 a.m.
But they say that carjacking incidents can take place in more public locations.
They are urging drivers to keep the following safety tips in mind given the rash of incidents:
- Trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings
- If you suspect you are being followed, on the road or into your driveway, call 9-1-1.
- If you are approached by thieves, remain calm and comply. Don’t fight back. Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.