Some Toronto drivers have resorted to pasting signs in their car windows alerting potential thieves that there is nothing of value inside their parked vehicle.
A TikTok video shared by user @ontarioroadtripping shows two cars parked along a Cabbagetown street, both with printed notes that read in large capital letters, “NOTHING IN THIS CAR” and “NOTHING IN THIS CAR, DO NOT SMASH PLS.”
“This makes me so sad Toronto” the TikTok user wrote in an overlaid text box.
The video quickly gathered momentum, with many commenting their thoughts on the deterrent tactic. One user even talked about leaving vehicles purposely unlocked so thieves don’t have to break in.
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“Reality of Toronto living, sadly we were in a beautiful row of houses in Leslieville with street parking, we had to start leaving our cars unlocked…then we moved,” one user commented.
“Someone smashed my friend’s car window just because she had a few coins in the cup holder. Don’t leave anything that looks like money or valuables in your car,” another person wrote.
Others weren’t convinced a sign would stop an opportunistic thief.
“What thief is going to believe the signage?” someone else said.
“There is a whole car to take,” another person commented.
Toronto police said they are not aware of the strategy but advise against leaving anything of value inside of a parked vehicle.
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“We would always recommend that no valuables be left in vehicles that are parked in public spaces or on your driveway,” police told Now Toronto in an email statement on Thursday.
Toronto police’s auto crimes prevention page also advises drivers to park in well lit and busy areas where possible, to always check they have removed their keys from the ignition, to close and lock all windows, and to never hide a spare key in their vehicle.
Other useful tips include:
- Never leaving anything on display when your vehicle is unattended, including when pumping gas.
- Locking all parcels and shopping bags in the trunk of your car.
- Installing an alarm
- Installing an ignition kill switch
- Using a visible steering wheel lock
- Installing a vehicle tracking system
If your vehicle is stolen police suggest taking the following steps:
- Report the theft to police immediately
- Disclose the year, make, model, and colour of your vehicle
- Give your licence number
- Provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Give serial numbers of all stolen equipment
- Inform police about special markings – decals, after-market parts, dents, scratches, other damage, etc.
For more tips on how to project your vehicle, visit the police’s Auto Crimes page.
