Thefts and Vigilantes

Cop Corner with S/Sgt Luis Gandolfi: November 28th, 2016

Recently we’ve been dealing with some very high risk stuff in the MD.  In the past 60 days we’ve seen shootings, stabbings, pursuits, serious assaults, high level thefts, home invasions, and sadly even a few senseless deaths which certainly got everyone’s attention.  On the heels of these events, and given the nature of some of the information obtained through our investigations, I feel it is important that I discuss the inherent risks involved when victims attempt to take justice into their own hands.

Just like police officers who exercise poor judgement, civilians following or pursuing a stolen vehicle can be held criminally responsible when things go sideways and trust me, they almost always do.  You may find yourself with a cancelled insurance policy if you’re vehicle is damaged and you are found to be even partially responsible.  What happens if you do actually locate and corner the offender who stole your vehicle, then what?  I don’t imagine they’ll be too excited about waiting patiently with you until the police arrive?  What if they’re armed, on warrants, on methamphetamine, what if there’s five of them?!  You get the idea.  What about the police who are responding to your location?  Do they know that you’re not a suspect?  So you help arrest a suspect who stole your vehicle from your driveway, now what?  They know where you live, they know what you drive, they know who you are…I don’t know about you but that would make me a little nervous under the circumstances.

I know I’m throwing a lot of “what if’s” at you but if you had the details that we’ve seen these past few months I’m fairly certain you’d see why I’m talking with you now.  Let us carry the burden of risk.  It’s what we’re paid to do, it’s what we’ve trained and been equipped for, and it’s what we’ve all agreed to do when we signed the proverbial dotted line.  Please keep in mind that personal effects can be replaced.  There’s something in the water lately and I simply don’t trust the current crop of criminals to do the right thing when met with resistance.  I therefore ask that you let us be that resistance for you.  Call us, be a good witness, make notes of the situation, talk to your neighbours, but for your safety please don’t get involved.  Stay Safe.