A man, 45, has been arrested but police are continuing to investigate after at least 80 car break-ins and thefts in Toronto’s St. Clair West area have been reported since last September.
Incidents include smashed car windows, packages stolen from residences and other thefts in recent months police say.
Residents in the area say they feel unsafe and worried about whose car is going to be the next target. They have asked police to intensify their patrols on streets close to St. Clair Avenue West and Bathurst Street.
Streets highlighted with red in the St. Clair Avenue West area are those most affected by the crime spree, according to police. (Alexander Rodriguez/Toronto observer)
Fabian Alvarez, 24, who has been living in the area for two years. He said he never heard about these kinds of issues before moving to the St. Clair West area.
He said that after all the occurrences, he no longer feels safe at his place.
“I heard some testimonies from neighbours about what is happening and I have to admit I feel scared,” Alvarez said. “I do not currently have a car, but I have plans to get one soon. Now I believe I might have to think twice before I get it.”
Several residents also said they have been targeted more than once. They were leaving notes in the windows of their cars saying they don’t have anything of value inside, but even that seems to be not very helpful because they are finding the windows of their cars broken again.
Katrina Arrogante, corporate communications officer for the police, said police are encouraging residents to keep their cars locked and their belongings hidden. If they see a sign that someone tried to break into their cars or properties, they’re asked to contact the police immediately.
One of the most affected areas is close to St. Clair West and Vaughan Road, but other locations, including Benson Avenue, Rushton Road and Arlington Avenue, have also been hit by the wave of thefts.
Cars parked on Vaughan Road close to where most of the car-break-ins and thefts happened. TORONTO, ON, Jan 23, 2019. (Alexander Rodriguez/Toronto Observer)
On Jan. 4, Ronald Young was arrested in relation to the car break-ins and thefts in the St. Clair Avenue West and Bathurst Street. Police said they’d continue to investigate the issue.