Toronto Police Criticized for Advising Residents to Leave Car Keys Near Front Doors to Avoid Confrontations

Toronto Police faced backlash for advising residents to leave their car keys within easy reach for thieves to avoid potential violence during break-ins. The advice, which was quickly criticized, was given as car thefts spiked nearly 25% in 2023 compared to the previous year, and home invasion and auto thefts have risen 400%. The department later backtracked and suggested other ways to prevent auto thefts, such as parking vehicles in garages, adding extra exterior lighting, and installing security cameras.