Cops Bust Gang Allegedly Attacking And Robbing TTC Passengers

They may have sat beside you on the subway or the bus. If you’re lucky, you didn’t notice them.

If you were even more fortunate, they didn’t notice you.

Toronto Police allege a 20-year-old man and two 16-year-olds were behind a string of robberies that have been targeting TTC passengers since last year.

Cops began investigating in October after receiving numerous reports of people being held up, sometimes at gunpoint, and being stripped of their iPods, cell phones, electronics, cash – and even some of their clothing. Many of the crimes happened on the system itself, while other riders were followed as they left TTC property.

“The victims were threatened and intimated into surrendering various items of their personal property,” explains Det. Reuben Stroble. “On several occasions, a large revolver was displayed or indicated to ensure compliance.”

Some of the attacks happened on the subway. “In some cases, they would actually be accosted and robbed right on a moving train and then when the train stops they’re told ‘you stay on the train!’ and then [they’d] get off the train … and make their escape.”

Other hold-ups would occur after a rider got off at a bus stop, mostly after dark. “They get off the bus and it’s dark, it’s late and then they rob the victim at that time.”

Rider Habib Karim believes he was victimized.

“A couple guys came down and one of them asked me if he can wear my jacket, right,” he recalls.  “And I said ‘No.’  Then he asked again. He’s like, ‘I’m not asking.’ He’s like, ‘Let me wear your jacket.'”

In some cases, cops claim the clothing – often removed in the freezing cold of winter – was taken and actually worn during other robberies.

Investigators were able to access video surveillance to get a glimpse of the suspects and based on victim descriptions, began stalking the stalkers.

Last Thursday, they had enough evidence to go after them, taking police dogs and the ETF to surprise all three in the early morning hours and take them into custody in the Jane and Dundas and Keele and Dundas areas. 

Cops found a host of stolen items worth about $25,000, as well as a collection of knives and two imitation firearms.

The suspects are charged with a range of offences, including multiple counts of robbery. The adult was in court on Friday. The underage teens will have their own hearing April 4th.

But this case is far from over. Among the goods recovered were several items taken from recent break-and-enters in and around High Park.

Cops are in possession of a large number of products like iPods, GPS units, satellite radios, laptops, big screen TVs, video game systems and car stereos that belong to a number of victims – but they don’t who the rightful owners are.

They believe the victims haven’t reported them stolen, leading cops to emphasize the importance of reporting every crime to them, even if you don’t think there’s any chance you’ll get your stuff back. If they find it, at least they’ll have some idea who it belongs to, and can return it to you.

Otherwise, as in this case, thousands of dollars of merchandise sits unclaimed, unused and unidentified in a giant police warehouse looking for an owner who can’t be located.

See the photo gallery below for a look at some of the items.

Police are anxious to talk to anyone who may have had something taken over the past few months. If you live in the High Park-Bloor St. W or Dundas St. W. area, cops may have something of yours you’ll want back. Call (416) 808-1106 if you think you may be affected.