If you follow the news regularly, you will have noticed that there have been several reports surrounding acts of vandalism throughout the province, specifically vehicular vandalism. These acts affect not only vehicle owners but society as a whole. Auto insurance premiums are found to be higher in areas with higher crime statistics. Therefore, if your neighbourhood is experiencing more incidents of crime as of late, it may translate to your home or auto premiums. Let’s delve a little deeper into the vandalism surge in Ontario and learn more about how to report vandalism in your area.
Vandalism In Ontario
There has been a surge in vandalism throughout the GTA over the past couple of years. From graffiti-covered storefronts to shattered windows to defaced public spaces, vandalism has become an all-too-familiar sight across Ontario.
Though often dismissed as harmless mischief or an inevitable part of city life, vandalism can carry dire consequences. It strains municipal budgets and undermines residents’ sense of safety in their own cities and neighbourhoods.
As vandalism rises across Ontario, in cities big and small, the issue raises important questions about accountability, prevention, and how communities can respond more effectively to protect our cities.
Reasons Behind Vandalism
Vehicle damage mischief cases are common in Toronto. Individuals are often charged with “keying” or damaging a vehicle’s paint, slashing tires, breaking windows, etc. These may stem from:
- A domestic dispute
- Feuds between the parties in relation to a driving altercation
- Disputes over a parking spot
- Juvenile delinquency
Depending on the vehicle type and the extent of damage, these cases may be classified as over or under $5,000 in damages, each with its own set of penalties. If the alleged vandalism involved property with a value below $5,000, the court can sentence you to up to two years in jail, along with fines and probation. If the property value exceeds $5,000, you can receive a sentence of up to 10 years in jail.
Is Vandalism A Misdemeanour In Canada?
Criminal mischief is usually charged after an act of vandalism. It is a serious criminal offence under the Canadian Criminal Code, resulting in a criminal record, fines, probation, and sometimes jail time. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, a person may be charged with criminal mischief based on vandalism if he or she destroys property that belongs to another or otherwise alters the property in some way. For it to be a criminal offence, the property alterations must be deliberate.
Types Of Vandalism And Criminal Mischief
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, a person may be charged with criminal mischief based on vandalism if he or she destroys property that belongs to another or otherwise alters the property in some fashion. If the act were accidental, it would not amount to vandalism or criminal mischief. Activities that can ultimately result in criminal mischief charges include:
- Spray painting a bridge or the exterior of a vehicle
- Slashing a person’s tires
- Smashing in a person’s house or car windows
Reporting Acts Of Vandalism
The first step in stopping vandalism in Ontario comes from the help of its residents. Depending on where you live, you must report any vandalism you may see. Let’s take a look at some of the people you can report acts of vandalism to.
Ontario Provincial Police
The OPP has now expanded its online reporting capabilities by expanding its occurrence types. Citizens may now engage in online reporting of the following incidents:
- Lost/missing property
- Stolen licence plates or validation stickers
- Theft from a vehicle
- Mischief to a vehicle
- Mischief (damage to property other than a vehicle, including graffiti)
- Theft
- Gas theft
- Driving complaints
Please call the OPP, toll-free, at 1-888-310-1122 to file a report.
Toronto Police Services
Toronto residents can file an online report through the Toronto Police Services website.
To report a non-emergency incident outside of the city of Toronto, please get in touch with the police service that is responsible for your area:
- Peel Regional Police Service
- York Regional Police Service
- Durham Regional Police Service
- Halton Regional Police Service
- Hamilton Police Service
How Can I Prove Someone Vandalized My Car?
Unless you actually saw the individual vandalize your car, it is next to impossible to prove. If you have comprehensive coverage, the damages will be covered – minus your deductible. You will need to take the following steps:
- Take multiple pictures from all angles
- Check to see if anyone in your area saw this event taking place
- Report it to the police
- Call your isure broker or insurance company
Will My Insurance Go Up If My Car Is Vandalized?
It depends on your insurance provider. In many cases, when an insured makes a claim, premiums typically increase. For this reason, many people don’t file a claim unless the vandalism is substantial. You may want to get a quote for the damage repair before you make your decision to put in a claim. To learn more about deciding whether to claim or not, please click here.
If your car is vandalized, document the damage with photos. You will also need to see if anything has been stolen. You will also need to file a police report and decide whether filing a claim is worth it or not.
Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover Stolen Items?
While comprehensive insurance does cover damage from a break-in or when your car itself is stolen, it doesn’t cover personal items that are stolen from your car. Instead, these items are covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy or renters insurance policy. However, as with comprehensive coverage, your home or renters insurance policy will come with its own deductible. As a result, it will only make sense to file a claim if you’ve lost items of substantial value, such as a laptop. If you want to file a claim for stolen items, make sure those items are listed on your police report.
Remember, if you experience vandalism to your home or vehicle, contact your isure representative and the insurance company to help guide you through the claims process. While you may decide that it is not worth filing a claim, your isure broker can help talk you through the procedures so that you can put this uncomfortable incident behind you.
Drive with Confidence
Request your free car insurance quote now and get the coverage you deserve.
If you are thinking about how to submit a vandalism Read more
If your car is vandalized and extensive damages occur, your Read more
No one likes to think about their home being targeted. Read more
