York Region carjackings up 106% so far this year: Chief [Video]

Carjackings in York Region have shot up by 106 per cent so far this year, part of a concerning trend that has seen them skyrocket since 2019.  

“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.

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 which are being smuggled across the border from …