Following a surge in car thefts in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Toronto Police advised residents to leave their car key fobs in a Faraday pouch at their front door to deter violent confrontations during break-ins. This advice sparked outrage online due to its perceived illogical nature.
The area had seen an alarming increase in car thefts, with a nearly 25% rise in 2023 compared to 2022. Additionally, home invasions and break-ins for auto theft witnessed a staggering 400% increase during the same period.
While the police offered preventative measures such as well-lit driveways, security cameras, and home security systems, Constable Marco Ricciardi's suggestion at a safety meeting became controversial. He advised residents to leave their key fobs near the front door, reasoning that thieves breaking in for car theft wouldn't want to confront residents inside the home.
However, this advice received significant backlash online, with many finding it nonsensical and criticizing it as "failed state-level insanity." Toronto Police later acknowledged the concerns, emphasizing that there are other ways to prevent auto theft-motivated home invasions and expressing concerns about the escalating violence associated with such crimes.
In contrast, York Regional Police took a more proactive approach in high-risk areas by distributing door stops to residents to prevent forced entry and providing pamphlets with preventative measures. Residents, while appreciative of the advice, called for increased patrols in high-risk areas as well.
