York Regional Police is issuing a warning to the public following a re-emergence of staged collision carjackings.

In these incidents, suspects will purposely cause minor collisions by driving into the victim’s vehicle. When the victim exits their vehicle to assess the damage, the suspects will confront the victims, often with firearms, and steal the vehicle. Suspects have also used distraction techniques to allow another suspect to steal the vehicle when the victim isn’t looking.

On November 3, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., police responded to reports of a carjacking in the area of Warden Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive in Markham. The victim was rear-ended by the suspect’s Honda sedan. When he exited to check the damage, he was confronted by two suspects armed with firearms. One suspect stole the victim’s Lexus, while the other fled in the Honda.

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at approximately 7:10 p.m., police responded to a carjacking in the area of Kirkham Drive and Karachi Drive in Markham. A male suspect on a bicycle rode into the side of the victim’s Cadillac Escalade. When the victim got out to check on the male, a dark sedan pulled up behind the Escalade. Two suspects exited the sedan, threatened the victim with a firearm and stole the vehicle.

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, at approximately 8:20 p.m., police responded to an attempted carjacking in the area of King Road and Highway 27 in Vaughan. The victim’s Cadillac Escalade was lightly rear-ended. When the victim got out of the vehicle to assess the damage, she was confronted by two suspects, one armed with a firearm. The suspects attempted to steal her vehicle but were unsuccessful due to a kill switch being installed in the Escalade.

On Friday, January 17, 2025, at approximately 5:50 p.m., police responded to a carjacking in the area of Leslie Street and Bethesda Sideroad in Richmond Hill. The victim’s Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon was rear-ended by a dark coloured sport utility vehicle (SUV). When the victim got out of the vehicle to assess the damage, a suspect entered his vehicle and drove away.

Police are advising citizens to always be aware of their surroundings. Trust your instincts. If you feel you are being followed, or if something doesn’t feel right, drive to a police station or contact police immediately. If you are involved in a collision and have concerns about the circumstances call 9-1-1. If you are the victim of a carjacking, prioritize your personal safety and be the best witness you can be.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or online at www.1800222tips.com.

Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.

Prepared by: Constable James Dickson 
                    January 21, 2025