At first glance, reports of Toronto police telling residents to leave their car fobs close to their front doors (some interpreted them to say outside the front door) to prevent crooks from breaking into their homes may be dismissed as yet another social media disinformation campaign.
But the story is very true. With car thefts skyrocketing in the city — 12,000 vehicles were stolen in 2023, compared to 5,197 in 2019 — a “well-meaning” constable said just that at a community meeting held on Feb. 27 at Etobicoke Civic Centre, according to CTV News Toronto.
“To prevent the possibility of being attacked in your home, leave your fobs at your front door,” Const. Marco Ricciardi said at the meeting. “Because they’re breaking into your home to steal your car. They don’t want anything else.”
Canadian police advise homeowners to leave their car fobs outside so armed thieves can steal them more easily without confronting home owners.
“They’re breaking into your home to steal your car. They don’t want anything else.”
Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/H6jFUKltGk
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) March 14, 2024
While the advice may be the latest indictment against the progressive left approach to criminal justice, it was so far-fetched that the Toronto Police Service felt compelled to intervene.
“An officer at a recent community meeting suggested that people leave the keys to their vehicle in a faraday bag by the front door,” the agency said in a statement. “While well-meaning, there are better ways to prevent auto theft-motivated home invasions.”
An officer at a recent community meeting suggested that people leave the keys to their vehicle in a faraday bag by the front door. While well meaning, there are better ways to prevent auto theft motivated home invasions. Learn more here: https://t.co/z8JSOcIaCe pic.twitter.com/dLH92dirzd
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) March 14, 2024
Spokesperson Stephanie Sayer said the advice was in response to violent home invasions related to vehicle thefts in the area.
“Police are concerned about the escalation in violence, whether it be home invasions or carjackings, and have always advised the public to prioritize their safety over their vehicle,” she said.
The alternative advice offered by the Toronto Police includes installing security cameras and a home security system, having a motion detection alarm connected to your cell phone, putting security film on glass windows and doors, and having multipoint door locks on your doors.
Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story, as seen on X:
What is next? Leave your house door opened so they can rob you?
Fire this clown already, he is a disgrace to police— Elon Musk Citizen Journalist (Parody) (@xcitizenjournal) March 14, 2024
Why stop there?
Put up a sign advertising it.
Oh, and don’t forget to fill up the gas tank to avoid inconveniencing them.
— Town Square (@XTownSquareX) March 14, 2024
Communists don’t like police protecting private property.
— Tag Gantry™️ (@TagGantry) March 14, 2024
Excellent police work. I guess at that rate they should all pat themselves on the back and retire without pay.
— Staida (@forceonatr) March 14, 2024
Canadian police are actively facilitating crime to avoid inconveniencing the criminals.
Remember in Fahrenheit 451 how the firemen were the ones who set all the fires?— Interesting Times (@FreeTheBee22) March 14, 2024
Or you could allow people to actually defend themselves and thieves would have to think twice about breaking into houses.
— Saint Michael | Guidance for Men (@masculinesaint) March 14, 2024
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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