The metropolis of Toronto is grappling with an issue of car theft, and it appears that law enforcement is struggling to find effective solutions. During a recent safety briefing, a law enforcement official advised citizens that if thieves attempt to steal your vehicle, the best course of action is to simply surrender it without resistance.
According to blogTO, Police Constable Marco Ricciardi of the Toronto Police Service remarked, “To prevent potential home invasions, it is advised to leave your [key] fobs near your front door because intruders primarily target your vehicle and nothing else.”
While the rationale behind prioritizing personal safety and avoiding physical harm over a replaceable possession like a car is understandable, receiving such advice from law enforcement, whose responsibility is to prevent such incidents, may raise eyebrows and seem somewhat absurd.
Despite the controversial advice, some residents of Toronto have taken it to heart. For instance, one individual, after experiencing multiple break-ins, opted to leave their vehicle unlocked with a visible note to deter further window damage.
On the contrary, some residents have taken extreme measures to safeguard their vehicles. Featured in a New York Times article on Toronto’s car theft crisis, the owner of a Honda CR-V has implemented various security measures, including multiple alarms, tracking devices, and even physical barriers around their property.
In response to the escalating issue, innovative solutions have emerged. The demand for vehicle tracking systems has surged, with companies like Montreal-based Tag Tracking experiencing a significant uptick in sales over the past few years. Moreover, businesses focusing on installing protective barriers like bollards have emerged across the city.
Although the ideal scenario would involve not needing these security measures, credit should be given to those taking action to address the problem actively, contrasting with the perceived inaction of the Toronto Police.
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