Car thefts to increased 106% in Toronto by 2024: Toronto police chief

 

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw says car thefts have increased sharply in the first three months of the year. He said in a press conference that this year, there were twice as many carjackings as the same period last year. Toronto police have confirmed 68 car thefts since Jan. 1, according to new statistics released Monday. A 106 percent increase was recorded from the same period in 2023. Demkiv said armed vehicle thefts, assaults and intimidation have also increased in the city.

Last year, 12,200 vehicles were stolen in Toronto. He pointed out that 34 vehicles were stolen every day. He said it was a serious issue, communities were concerned and police were continuing to crack down. Last year, the Toronto Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police formed the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force to combat the problem. Since September 21, 2023, the unit has arrested 121 suspects, laid 730 charges and recovered 157 stolen vehicles, Toronto police said.