In light of surging home invasions in Toronto, a recent suggestion by a Toronto police officer has sparked controversy. The officer recommended that residents leave their car keys near the front door, possibly to deter criminals from resorting to violence during break-ins and opting instead to steal vehicles and leave.
The Toronto Police Service confirmed this advice, highlighting that the officer proposed storing keys in a Faraday bag by the entrance as a precautionary measure. While acknowledging the officer’s good intentions, authorities emphasized the existence of alternative strategies to thwart auto theft-related home invasions.
Faraday bags serve as effective shields against signal-duplicating gadgets employed by criminals to replicate key fobs, facilitating vehicle thefts. Alarmingly, instances of home invasions for auto thefts surged by 400 percent in Toronto last year, as per data provided by the Toronto Police Service.
During a community gathering in Etobicoke, Constable Marco Ricciardi endorsed the notion of leaving key fobs at the doorstep to mitigate potential attacks. His remarks, initially reported by CityNews, highlighted the primary objective of intruders being the theft of automobiles, often armed with real firearms, rather than mere property.
Expressing concerns over the escalating violence associated with vehicle thefts and home invasions, Toronto police emphasized the need for comprehensive safety measures. While reiterating the longstanding advice prioritizing personal safety over property, authorities underscored diverse strategies for safeguarding both homes and vehicles.
Recommendations outlined in the statement included parking vehicles in garages whenever possible, ensuring well-lit driveways, investing in home security systems and surveillance cameras, applying security film to windows and doors, securing backyard gates and ground-floor windows, and promptly reporting any suspicious activities or individuals.
The incident underscores the pressing need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to combat the rising trend of home invasions targeting automobiles. By adopting multifaceted security strategies, residents can significantly reduce their vulnerability to such crimes while safeguarding their homes and vehicles effectively.
Parvasi Weekly Inc.