York Region carjackings have more than doubled in 2024: police chief [Video]

Carjackings in York Region have more than doubled so far this year, part of a concerning trend that has seen them skyrocket since 2019. 

“Over a five year period, we’ve seen a 400 per cent increase in carjackings, which are violent and traumatizing for victims and their families,” York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween told reporters at a news conference Tuesday.

There have been a total of 64 carjackings in the region since January, representing a 106 per cent increase from the same time period in 2023.

MacSween said the region has also seen a 92 per cent increase in shootings, with a total of 46 in the region since January.

The figures come as the force released its latest statistics on crime in the region, amid what it calls a ‘surge’ in violent crime.

“Almost all of the guns being used in these crimes are illegal handguns, many of …