York Region carjackings up 106% so far this year: Chief
CTV
Carjackings in York Region have shot up by 106 per cent so far this year, part of a concerning trend that has seen them skyrocket since 2019.
Carjackings in York Region have shot up by 106 per cent so far this year, part of a concerning trend that has seen them skyrocket since 2019.
"Since 2019 over a five year period, we've seen a 400 per cent increase in carjackings, which are violent and traumatizing for victims and their families," York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween told reporters at a news conference Tuesday.
There have been a total of 64 carjackings in the region since January.
MacSween said the region has also seen a 92 per cent increase in shootings, with a total of 46 in the region since January.
The figures come as the force released its latest statistics on crime in the region, amid what it calls a 'surge' in violent crime.
"Almost all of the guns being used in these crimes are illegal handguns, many of which are being smuggled across the border from the U.S.," MacSween said. "The surge in gun violence can be attributed to organized crime rings who are obtaining and using illegal handguns to commit a number of offences."
He said organized crime is also behind the increases in auto thefts and the ongoing conflict in the tow truck tow truck industry.
