What to know
- Police warn of increased pickpocketing and thefts from vehicles in the downtown core during the holiday season.
- Suspects are targeting shoppers and parked vehicles, often taking unattended items or valuables left in plain view.
- The alert follows growing online reports of distraction thefts, e-transfer scams, and attempts to lure victims from moving vehicles.
- Public urged to stay mindful of belongings, avoid leaving items unattended, and secure valuables when visiting events or busy shopping areas.
- Police provide prevention tips, including using secure bags, keeping phones and wallets out of back pockets, and locking away items in vehicle trunks.
The Toronto Police Service is warning the public to remain vigilant amid an increase in pickpocketing and thefts from vehicles in and around the downtown core during the holiday season.
Police say suspects are targeting victims and vehicles as they attend shopping centres and special events within the downtown area.
“Items are being stolen from unsuspecting victims, while items are left unattended, or from vehicles with parcels/valuables that are visible to thieves,” the police said in a news release on Friday.
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The warning comes amid growing online discussions about theft tactics occurring in the downtown core, including distraction thefts, e-transfer scams, and incidents where someone’s attention is drawn from a moving vehicle.
Meanwhile, the public is being advised to be mindful of their belongings and avoid leaving items unattended, such as cell phones, wallets, and parcels unattended when going to events or visiting crowded shopping locations.
To avoid becoming a victim of theft over the holidays, police have offered several tips, including:
- Always keep personal items secure and within sight
- Use zipped bags, cross-body straps, and internal pockets to reduce pickpocketing risks
- Avoid placing wallets or phones in back pockets
- Do not leave parcels or shopping bags unattended, even momentarily
- Store items in vehicle trunks before arriving at your destination and ensure all doors and windows are locked
- Remain aware of your surroundings and report suspicious behavior to on-site security or the Toronto Police Service
If you have become a victim of theft or would like to report a theft under $5,000, you can refer to the Toronto Police Service website.
