On the frontline: Toronto-area residents hiring security firms to fight auto theft [Video]

With a vehicle stolen every 40 minutes in Toronto, Tom Doyle is always on standby for a phone call.

Doyle, vice president of operations at Corporate Protection and Investigative Services – a private security firm – is used to taking on jobs to patrol condominiums and businesses.

However, nowadays he’s fielding calls from a new type of customer – everyday residents who are trying not to become victims of auto theft.

“It’s gotten crazy,” he told Global News Toronto.

“I’m getting calls and emails a couple of times a week (from people) asking for our rates, asking for what we can do to help them if we can meet with them to see what we can do and what we don’t do.”

Doyle’s security firm is not alone in picking up this kind of work. Ultimate Security Services, Condor Security and GardaWorld all told Global News Toronto they’ve taken on such jobs.

Auto thefts are a major issue …