Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed on Tuesday that a group of masked men attempted to steal a vehicle from his property overnight, prompting a strong rebuke of what he called Canada’s “lawless society” and a justice system plagued by lenient bail policies and “weak-kneed judges.”
Speaking at a press conference, Ford described the incident as something “out of a TV show about stupid criminals.” He said the attempted theft happened around 12:30 a.m. outside his home. “Four thugs come racing down my street, masks on, ready to take the car out of the driveway,” he recounted. “Surprise, surprise. Two police cars were there, the chase was on.”
Toronto police confirmed the arrest of four individuals, including two youth, who now face charges for possessing electronic vehicle theft tools and unlawfully obtaining an automobile master key. Ford said the suspects were equipped with tools and appeared ready to steal either his pickup truck or his brother’s Cadillac Escalade.
While grateful the police acted swiftly, Ford used the incident to again call for bail reform. “Just imagine the people who don’t have security at their house,” he said. “I’m sick and tired of the weak justice system we have. We need to start throwing these people in jail. This is turning into a lawless society.”
Ford has long been a vocal advocate for tougher bail laws and has frequently pressed the federal government to act. He cited the recent release of suspects in a major drug bust and another case involving a criminal ring in the towing industry as further evidence the justice system is failing to keep repeat offenders off the streets.
The premier also voiced support for a man in York Region who was recently charged after allegedly firing a gun into the air to scare off car thieves. While Ford said he doesn’t recommend such actions, he nonetheless praised the man for “standing up” and pledged to hold a fundraiser for his legal fees.
“It’s like down in the U.S. — we should have the castle law,” Ford said, referring to legislation in some American states that allows homeowners to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves or their property.
The attempted theft at Ford’s residence comes amid a surge in vehicle thefts across the Greater Toronto Area and intensifies debate around bail, self-defense, and public safety in Ontario.