Like many residents across the GTA, residents in King Township are concerned about the risk of their car, pickup truck or SUV being stolen. Residents perceive an increase in reports in vehicle theft, and they are correct.
This chart shows statistics from some of Canada’s largest centres indicating an increase in reported thefts from 2019 to 2022.
York Regional Police are staying on top of the trend and offer advice to keep vehicles safe from theft. Police will be presenting to King Township Council on Monday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. A live link to the meeting broadcast on YouTube will be available on Jan. 9 at www.king.ca/meetings.
Tips from police, streetlighting and safety, and media reports
This update includes tips from York Regional Police, information about King’s streetlighting process and some media information from CBC regarding trends in vehicle theft.
Vehicle Safety: From York Regional Police
Most incidents of vehicle theft are preventable. Following these safety tips can reduce the risk of having your vehicle stolen:
- Never leave your vehicle unattended and running, even for short periods of time
- If you must warm up your vehicle, remain inside or lock it and keep a spare key with you
- Invest in a keyless remote starter
- Maintain control of your keys at all times
- While you are at home, keep keys out of sight, not near the door or hanging on a hook near the door
- Keep your doors locked and windows up
- Park in a locked garage whenever possible
- Use the emergency brake
- Don't park your vehicle in isolated areas
- Place valuables in the trunk, out of sight
- Don't hide a spare key in the vehicle
- Invest in an anti-theft device like ignition or fuel kill switches, car alarms or tracking devices.
Helpful Links
- Report a crime: www.yrp.ca/en/online-reporting/Report-a-Crime.asp
- Vehicle safety: www.yrp.ca/en/crime-prevention/vehicle-safety.asp
- More information: www.yrp.ca/en/index.asp
- Home security and protection: https://www.yrp.ca/en/crime-prevention/home-security-and-protection.asp
Upgraded Streetlighting in King
Between 2017 and 2018, all of King’s streetlights were upgraded to LED to improve visibility. They were designed in accordance with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).
The objective from IESNA is to design the streetlights to provide a uniform distribution of lighting at a level that is adequate for the intended use of the roadway (safe night driving without spilling onto people's properties or into their homes).
If a resident has a concern that a light (or lights) have recently changed and become dimmer please get in touch with ServiceKING and a team will review and repair the lights, if necessary.
New lighting is contemplated for new subdivisions within the urban boundaries. In King’s rural areas, intersections are lit to ensure safety.
On other occasions residents have noted that street trees are blocking the streetlights, in which case the Township’s Parks team will trim the street trees to improve the light distribution to the street.
If residents have concerns, they can contact serviceking@king.ca or call 905-833-5321.
Media Reports (CBC)
Top 10 Most Stolen Cars
Here are the top 10 most commonly stolen cars in Ontario. What to do if yours is on the list
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/top-10-stolen-cars-ontario-2021-1.6649053
What auto thieves in Ontario want and how you can stop them
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/car-theft-toronto-ontario-tips-1.6604060
York police seize 73 stolen vehicles worth $4.5M set to be shipped and sold overseas
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/york-police-seize-high-end-vehicles-1.5954756
Why Torontonians are facing a 'staggering' spike in auto thefts — and what police are doing about it