Police warn of rising staged collision carjackings in the GTA

Police are warning motorists of a recent increase in staged collision carjackings across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that also date back to November.

York Regional Police (YRP) said the suspects will intentionally cause minor collisions by striking the victim’s vehicle. When the unsuspecting driver exits to inspect the damage, the suspects, often armed, confront the victim and steal the car.

Authorities reported two incidents in Markham in November. On Nov. 3, 2024, officers responded to reports of a carjacking in the area of Warden Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive at around 7 p.m.

It’s alleged that the suspect’s Honda sedan rear-ended the victim. When he exited to check the damage, he was confronted by two suspects armed with firearms. One suspect stole the victim’s Lexus, while the other fled in the Honda.

Police responded to a second carjacking call at around 7 p.m. on Nov. 20, 2024, in the area of Kirkham Drive and Karachi Drive. In this case, police said a male suspect on a bicycle rode into the side of the driver’s Cadillac Escalade.

When the victim exited to check on the man, a dark sedan pulled up behind them. It’s alleged two suspects exited the sedan, threatened the victim with a firearm and stole the Escalade.

Police respond to similar staged collision carjackings in Jan. 2025

York Regional Police officers were called to the King Road and Highway 27 area in Vaughan just before 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2025, for reports of a carjacking and collision.

It’s alleged a female driver’s Cadillac Escalade was lightly rear-ended, and when she got out to inspect the damage, she was confronted by two suspects, one armed with a firearm. Police said the suspects attempted to steal the Escalade but were unsuccessful due to a kill switch being installed in the luxury SUV.

In the most recent incident, on Jan. 17, 2025, officers responded to a carjacking call in the Leslie Street and Bethesda Sideroad area in Richmond Hill just before 6 p.m.

Police said a dark-coloured SUV rear-ended the driver’s Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, and when the victim got out of the vehicle to assess the damage, a suspect entered the SUV and drove away.

No physical injuries were reported.

In a news release, police advised members of the public always to be aware of their surroundings.

“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,” a spokesperson said. “If you are involved in a collision and have concerns about the circumstances, call 911. If you are the victim of a carjacking, prioritize your personal safety and be the best witness you can be.”

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