Toronto police dedicate team to eliminate bad actors in tow truck industry – Toronto [Video]

Toronto police are launching an initiative to address a rise in violent criminal activity in the tow truck industry, saying they believe it is linked to seven out of the 10 shootings the city has seen so far this year.

Plainclothes and uniformed officers will be deployed in critical areas around Toronto to investigate shootings, arsons and other criminal acts they allege are perpetrated by “bad actors” in the industry, police said Monday.

They added that organized crime investigators have connected such incidents to ongoing territorial disputes between towing companies.

“We remain committed to addressing tow truck-related crimes with a service-wide approach, acknowledging that this violence stems from a small segment of the industry,” said Supt. Paul MacIntyre.

“We will continue to work diligently to protect our communities and ensure safety across the city.”

Police said there has been a recent increase in gun violence, with 63 firearm discharge and shooting incidents …