Tow truck violence a growing problem

[TowForce]

Tow truck-related violence and shootings involving younger people are also making up an increasing share of Toronto's gun violence, police said.

 

"The intelligence we are gathering is revealing some concerning trends," Staff Supt. Joe Matthews said.

 

Since Jan. 1, the city has seen 24 tow truck-related shootings or discharges, representing 12 per cent of the gun incidents city-wide so far this year.

 

"Over the past six months Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area have seen increased criminal activity surrounding a small segment of tow truck industry," Matthews said. "This includes shootings and firearms discharges, arsons and mischiefs targeting tow truck companies, their vehicles and their drivers."

 

To combat the problem, he said, TPS is launching a new Tow Truck Task Force to lead a "proactive preventative response."

The Task Force will liaise with and share intelligence with other services across the GTA, Matthews said.

 

Police said that while members of the public do not so far appear to be targeted as part of the town truck turf wars which have been unfolding, there is always the potential that innocent bystanders will be hurt in the violence.

 

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