Toronto cops to address tow truck turf wars with task force

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The battle to combat gun violence on Toronto’s streets will include a new police task force to address increasing criminal activity between tow truck operators.

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Toronto Police say there have been 26 shootings and firearm discharges related to tow trucks since the beginning of the year, representing approximately 12% of all firearm incidents.

“The intelligence we are gathering is revealing some concerning trends,” Staff-Supt. Joe Mathews said a news conference Thursday. “We have initiated multiple investigations across the city to combat the gun crime.”

Police say conflicts involving a small segment of the towing industry in recent years have been about territorial disputes and rivalries.

Tow truck companies, their vehicles and drivers have been the targets of shootings, firearm discharges, arson and mischief, Mathews said. Incidents are primarily happening in Toronto’s east end, with a few scattered throughout the rest of the city.

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In April and May, police say there have been nine tow truck arsons, with seven happening in the east end.

“To combat the violence, our organized crime and enforcement section is leading a tow truck task force to ensure that all information and intelligence is being shared across the (Toronto Police) service,” Mathews said.

“This proactive, preventative response also ensures that officers are equipped with the latest updates when engaging with community and businesses.”

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Mathews said the task force will include members from across the police service, including intelligence, the centralized shooting response teams, traffic services, investigators and data analysts.

Meanwhile, an online petition was launched this month protesting legislative changes in Ontario that automatically disqualify tow truck drivers with past criminal records from obtaining or renewing their licences.

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“Many such individuals have shown dedication to their reform, proving themselves to be responsible, law-abiding citizens,” Shuri Durand, the petition organizer, said in a news release.

“The recent legislative changes that have made it impossible for tow truck drivers with past criminal histories to obtain or renew their licenses have had a devastating impact.”

Since January, tow truck drivers in the province must now pass a criminal record check in order to maintain their towing licence.

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