TPS Community Alert: Car Bumping

The Toronto Police Service wants to bring to your attention, a new trend that is developing in the city.

"Car Bumping" is a term used by the criminal element in which they use a minor accident to gain access to your purse wallet or other personal items of value in your vehicle. The Perpetrators will purposely bump your vehicle slightly, on purpose, so that it causes you to exit your vehicle to check for any damage. It is then when your attention is averted that the suspect(s) enter the vehicle and steal your purse or wallet sitting on the front seat or centre console. After you discover no damage, there is no need to exchange Identification and you return to your vehicle unknowing that your personal items have been take n. Once you've discovered the items missing the suspects are long gone.

Be aware when involved in a minor motor vehicle collision. Have all items of value are stored out of sight and out of reach or take them with you when you exit the vehicle. Always be aware of your surroundings, note exactly where you are, and have a cellular phone near by.

Pay special attention to the other driver or passengers in the other vehicle, making sure to get good descriptions of both the occupants and the vehicle itself including the license plate. Contact Police immediately if you should find yourself a victim of this.

PC Downie, 33 Division Crime Prevention Officer.