‘Trust your instincts’: Police warn public of 3 carjackings within week in Markham

York Regional Police are warning members of the public to be extra aware of their surroundings after three carjackings are believed to have been carried out by the same suspects in the last week.

Investigators were notified of the first reported incident on August 17 at around 11:10 p.m. when a victim’s black Mercedes was targeted by a group of suspects in the Rinas Avenue and Beaverbrae Drive area in Markham.

Surveillance footage captured the carjacking, showing a black BMW SUV rear-ending the victim’s vehicle while he was stopped at the intersection. The video shows a suspect approaching the victim with a knife and taking the victim’s car.

The suspect was described as male, white, five-foot-eight to five-foot-ten, last seen wearing black pants, a black jacket and a black ski mask.

Two other carjackings believed to be linked

Three days later, on August 20, it’s alleged a different victim was driving a black Mercedes SUV westbound along Steeles Avenue East at around 3 a.m. when he came to a red light at Victoria Park Avenue and was struck from behind by a black BMW SUV.

Investigators said when the victim went to assess the damage, a suspect armed with a knife approached and demanded the keys and the victim’s cellphone. The victim ran away and called police. The victim’s vehicle was not stolen in this case.

The suspect was described as male, white, with black hair, approximately 20 years old with a skinny build, five-foot-eight to five-foot-ten and wearing a black hoodie.

On August 23 at around 12:30 a.m., police said a victim was driving a grey Mercedes AMG sedan eastbound on Major Mackenzie Drive East when he stopped at Donald Cousens Parkway and was struck from behind by a dark-coloured vehicle.

When the victim exited his car, he was quickly approached by the driver and passenger of the other vehicle. Two suspects were wearing ski masks and dressed all in black. One suspect extended a baton and demanded the keys to the victim’s car. The two suspects then fled in their vehicles.

Investigators believe the same suspects, operating the black BMW SUV, were involved in all three carjackings.

A police spokesperson cautioned the public to be extra vigilant when driving, especially late at night or early in the morning.

“Trust your instincts. If you feel you are being followed, or if something doesn’t feel right, drive to a police station or contact police immediately. If you are the victim of a carjacking, do not risk your life over property that can be replaced,” A York Regional Police spokesperson said.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.