Brazen Criminals Film Their Crimes as Bystanders Record

The recent surge in brazen thefts across Ontario has drawn attention to a disturbing trend: criminals are not only committing crimes in public but are also seemingly unfazed by the presence of cameras capturing their actions. Videos circulating online depict several incidents where individuals casually steal merchandise from stores while bystanders record the events on their smartphones, raising questions about safety and law enforcement’s effectiveness.

Two videos that emerged over the weekend highlight this alarming phenomenon. One video, reportedly filmed at an LCBO store in Kitchener, Ontario, shows three men entering the premises and filling bags with bottles of alcohol. Witnesses were quick to point out the thieves, with one saying, “Hey guys, you’re on live TV,” yet the men appeared undeterred, with one not even attempting to cover his face. According to a statement from Cherri Greeno, spokesperson for the Waterloo Regional Police, the incident is under investigation.

Another video, which has gained traction on social media, was filmed at Centrepoint Mall in North York. It shows two young men in disguises shattering glass display cases at a Peoples Jewellers store, swiftly loading bags with stolen merchandise. What is particularly striking about this incident is the presence of several bystanders who approached the suspects, filming them closely without facing any immediate threat. As the suspects made their escape in a black vehicle, they seemed unconcerned about being recorded.

The increasing frequency of such crimes has led to a perception that criminals feel emboldened, knowing that even if apprehended, they may be released on bail shortly after their arrest. Ashley Visser, a representative from the Toronto Police, confirmed that the two men involved in the mall robbery fled the scene but did not provide further details on their status.

Retired Toronto Police holdup inspector Mike Earl voiced his concern about the situation, stating, “It’s embarrassing. It’s an absolute joke.” He emphasized that the current environment makes it dangerous for both store employees and customers, as intervening can lead to severe consequences. Earl noted that in some recent cases, victims who resisted armed intruders ended up facing legal trouble themselves.

Earl suggests a more proactive approach to combatting these crimes. “We either take an aggressive approach with these guys and arrest them at the front door and take it seriously with the courts or surrender and put everything for sale behind the counter,” he said. He advocates for increased security measures in government-operated stores, warning that it is only a matter of time before a serious incident occurs.

As the situation continues to escalate, the LCBO has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the robbery in Kitchener or the suggestion of storing products behind counters for better security. Should these crimes persist, some speculate that retail practices may need to evolve, potentially requiring staff to handle products directly to customers, similar to models employed by online retailers.

In the current landscape, recording crimes appears to be the only recourse available to bystanders. As thefts become more frequent and brazen, the line between witness and participant blurs, leaving many feeling uncertain about their safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing these issues.