Surge in auto thefts prompted police to hand out safety tips.
photo by jason sahlani
Increase of hijacked cars near campus prompts caution from police
Jason Sahlani
News Reporter
Toronto Police Sgt. Rick Blanchard warns students concerned about the recent carjackings in the North Campus area not to put up a fight with an armed assailant.
“Just give up whatever they’re asking for, get as much of a description as you can and do not struggle,” said Blanchard. “The person may have just committed a crime and needs a ride and may be armed.”
There have been five carjackings near campus since the start of the year. The most recent carjacking was Saturday. An elderly woman was approached by two men, one holding a handgun, in the parking lot of the Woodbine Centre. The men grabbed her keys and sped off in her car, according to a Toronto Police news release.
“We feel this was a random, unfortunate act,” said Woodbine Centre manager Peter McCallion. “We are constantly taking measures to secure the shoppers and staff who work at the mall, making sure that the centre is well lit and security staff is there at all hours.”
Although aware of the recent carjacking in the region, Humber students do not seem alarmed.
“I’m always here late so I should be more concerned about getting safely to my car, but to be honest, I don’t really think about it,” said Juan Ortega, a second-year electrical engineering student. “I try to park where there are lights, but when class finishes I just want to go to my car and go home. I’m not thinking about anything else by the end of my day.”
On Monday, pamphlets from 23 Division’s Community Response Unit circulated on campus to educate students on preventative measures to help deter the possibility of being the victim of a carjacking.
Apart from tips such as parking in a well-lit area and keeping valuables out of sight, the pamphlet promoted the safety programs available to students on campus.
“We encourage everyone to make use of the Campus Walk program and to call us whenever you see someone suspicious or a crime taking place, either by phone or by the emergency stations located all over campus,” said Gary Jeynes, director of public safety for Humber. “Trust your instincts. If you’re not feeling right, then there’s something wrong.”
Jeynes said if you find yourself feeling threatened, you should try to return indoors, whether at a mall or school, and call for assistance.
The Campus Walk program can be accessed from the security station located beside the library and is available to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Toronto Police have discounted a report of a woman being abducted from her car at gunpoint and sexually assaulted on Sunday. After investigating police determined the incident did not occur, according to a Toronto Police press release.
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