Majority of Canadians Lack Confidence in Police Response to Rising Auto Theft: Poll

Poll Reveals Widespread Lack of Confidence in Canadian Police Response to Increasing Auto Theft

April 8, 2024 TruthUSA

According to a recent poll conducted by Nanos Research, 68 percent of Canadians doubt the ability of law enforcement to recover stolen vehicles.

Of those surveyed, only 29 percent expressed confidence in the police’s efforts to address the increasing number of car thefts, while 3 percent were unsure.

Among the 68 percent who were skeptical, 38 percent had no confidence at all, and 30 percent were somewhat not confident in the police response. In contrast, of those who had faith in law enforcement, only 4 percent were completely confident, and 25 percent were somewhat confident.

The survey of around 1,000 adults revealed that 41 percent believe the police are doing a poorer job in handling auto theft now compared to a decade ago.

Perceptions varied based on age and gender, with women and older adults showing more confidence in law enforcement capabilities, particularly in Ontario and Quebec.

Related Stories

Ottawa Calls Police, Automakers, Politicians to Summit on Record Auto Theft Numbers

Toronto Police Recant Advice to Leave Car Keys at Front Door to Prevent Home Invasions

The poll findings were released just before Peel Regional Police made a significant breakthrough in dismantling an auto theft ring. Three men from the Toronto area were arrested by Peel’s Commercial Auto Crime Bureau after the recovery of 20 vehicles, including high-end pickup trucks valued at $1.8 million.

Peel police, in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency, initiated an investigation following an incident at a Brampton trucking yard last December, as mentioned in an April 7 press release.

The investigation led to the discovery of an industrial site in Bolton where stolen vehicles were being loaded for overseas shipment to ports in Dubai, UAE, and Sohar, Oman.

Fouad Shakhtour, 62, from Toronto is facing 12 charges related to the investigation, while Ali Elfawair, 38, also from Toronto, faces eight charges. Harvir Boparai, 29, from Mississauga, has been charged with eight counts of trafficking stolen goods and ten counts of possession of property obtained through crime.

Auto Theft Increase

Earlier this year, Toronto Police highlighted the escalating problem of auto theft in Canada’s largest city, with a car being stolen approximately every 40 minutes.

Police Chief Myron Demkiw stated during a press conference on March 18 that over 12,000 vehicles were stolen in Toronto last year, averaging 34 car thefts per day. He also noted a rise in violent carjacking and home invasions related to auto theft.

Auto theft has become a significant concern not only in Toronto but also in major urban areas across Canada. According to a government press release, vehicle thefts have increased by 50 percent in Quebec, 48.3 percent in Ontario, 34.5 percent in Atlantic Canada, and 18.35 percent in Alberta in 2022.

The surge in thefts since 2021 prompted a meeting of political leaders, law enforcement, and industry stakeholders in February in the nation’s capital to discuss strategies to reduce the number of stolen cars being shipped abroad.

The government recently stated in a press release that much of the auto theft in Canada is linked to organized crime, describing the operations as “highly lucrative” and “highly sophisticated,” with criminal networks operating nationwide.

Source link