Some Torontonians are installing metal pillars on their driveways, while others don’t think it’s worth the cost, as the city tackles with a rise in vehicle thefts.
Toronto resident Brad Lucas decided to surround his white ferrari with a bollard fence in February, according to the New York Times.
Last August, Toronto Police Service (TPS) endorsed a Toronto homeowner who installed retractable bollards on their driveway.
With #AUTOTHEFT increasing in #Toronto , 53 Division CPO/CSO, PC Timothy Somers is educating communities to help protect their vehicles. This owner installed retractable bollards! Contact PC Somers for tips , 90023@tps.ca@TorontoPolice @TPS_CPEU @TPSMyronDemkiw @thecoffeecop pic.twitter.com/dMtVk3pWDx
— 53 Division (@TPS53Div) August 18, 2023
Home invasion and auto theft occurrences rose 400 per cent in 2023 and continue to rise, according to the TPS website.
“We have had 68 carjackings so far [in] 2024. That’s a 106 per cent increase compared to the same period last year,” Chief Demkiw said in a media release. “We are putting a significant amount of resources to address this citywide, and have seen an escalation of violence, threats and intimidation, where weapons are being used to steal vehicles.”
Frustrated Torontonians have been mimicking advice from the police while leaving their car keys in their vehicles.
READ MORE: Safety or risk? Toronto police’s advice to leave car keys by front door draws criticism
A single bollard costs anywhere from $129 to $269 and even more for installation as listed on Bollards Toronto.
“Car dealerships have been using them forever,” Ontario Bollards president Danny Zanchi said on its website. “They’re commonplace in Europe and they are becoming more popular here.”
In Toronto, there are no bylaws prohibiting bollards on private property, a city spokesperson told CityNews.
Some residents are expressing their grievances about what more they can do on social media.
“Translation: Individuals that can afford a Ferrari, can also afford to install bollards in their driveways to protect cars from thieves,” one user posted on Reddit.
“Thieves realized that they don’t need high-tech equipment and tools to safely steal cars. It’s easier to kick the door open, and beat the shit out of the owners until keys are given. So, by making it more complicated for them to get the car off your driveway you are exposing yourself to higher risk,” another user mentioned.
Some Canadians are worried about how to protect themselves if a car theft becomes a violent situation.
“At what point is it reasonable to take out the intruder? As they break into your house? As they run up the stairs? As they are about to smash your head in with the bat?,” one person commented.
Now Toronto reached out to TPS, but did not receive comment in time of publication.
