Toronto cop's advice on giving thieves easier access to cars was 'well-meaning'

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The Toronto Police Service is defending one of its officers after he took heat for issuing some perplexing advice to vehicle owners at a recent community safety meeting.

Auto thefts and carjackings have been an ongoing issue in the city and increasingly are getting worse. Const. Marco Ricciardi’s suggestion was that in the name of safety and staying alive, just let thieves take your car.

“To prevent the possibility of being attacked in your home, leave your fobs at your front door because they’re breaking into your home to steal your car,” Ricciardi told the meeting in Etobicoke.

“They don’t want anything else,” he added.

Many questioned whether this was the way to handle the crime — basically handing over keys to thieves on a silver platter, whether it would further embolden criminals, and if Toronto Police and other law enforcement agencies were just giving up.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre weighed in on X Thursday, calling Ricciardi’s comments “surreal.”

“Police now tell you to keep your car keys by your door so criminals can safely take your car without having to attack your family,” Poilievre posted along with video of CityNews’ report.

“Crime. Chaos. 8 years of Trudeau,” he added.

Toronto Police defended Ricciardi’s advice but also acknowledged that there are other ways people can protect themselves, their homes and their vehicles.

“It was well-meaning, and for context, was in response to the increasing number of violent home invasions and break-and-enters related to vehicle thefts,” a spokesperson told the Toronto Sun.

“Police are concerned about the escalation in violence, whether it be home invasions or carjackings, and have always advised the public to prioritize their safety over their vehicle.”

In Toronto, home invasions and break-and-enters for auto thefts rose 400% in 2023, according to police.

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TPS suggest vehicle owners park in a garage, if possible, ensure driveways are well lit and the lights are kept on all night.

Also, home security systems and motion detection alarms are recommended, as are keeping doors and gates locked and windows secured.

Cops have recovered 46% of stolen vehicles, which translates to more than 20,000 vehicles, since 2018, have arrested 1,300 offenders and laid more than 5,000 related charges.

Toronto Police added: “But ultimately we need all levels of government and private industries, including vehicle manufacturers, port authorities and shipping companies working together in a coordinated manner, towards a common goal of fighting organized crime and keeping our communities safe.”