Coronavirus curtailing certain crimes: Toronto Police
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Looks as if even the bad guys are practising social distancing.
In one of the rare upsides to the coronavirus pandemic, Toronto Police reported Sunday that some crime statistics have fallen since stringent social distancing rules were put in place.
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Although there has been no decrease in the volume of non-emergency phone calls, there has been a drop in certain types of criminal behaviour, such as property crime, personal assaults and car theft.
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Coronavirus fears may be fuelling the positive change.
Const. Edward Parks noted a recent Toronto Police Service statement explains that while it’s still too early to formally predict crime trends, “since March 16, there has been a decline in all crime statistics except homicide.”
The drop is being attributed to social isolation and social distancing.
As well, local police stations are closed to walk-ins, so the public cannot report crimes in person.
“Crimes against property, such as break and enter, have decreased,” said Parks.
Online, of course, it’s a different story. Coronavirus fears have permitted a brisk business in internet scams, including sales of fake cures, bogus bank requests, fraudulent government and insurance bulletins, and the like.
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People are cautioned, as always, not to give personal or financial information over the phone or online if they are unsure.
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According to CP 24, a Toronto officer and one of the force’s civilian employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
Asked how morale was among the police, Parks said “just as tough as it is for everyone. But we are an essential service, and we’re here.”
Parks said the police are following the same rules as everyone else with regard to social distancing.
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