Toronto and York region police increase presence leading up to anniversary of Middle East conflict – NOW Toronto

York Regional Police (YRP) and Toronto Police Services (TPS) are tightening up security ahead of  the upcoming one-year anniversary of tensions in the Middle East. 

As Oct. 7 marks one year since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, YRP and TPS police officers will be increasing their foot and mobile patrols near faith-based institutions, schools, and community centres starting Oct. 2. 

“As tensions rise around the world and we approach the one-year anniversary of October 7th, we know world events always have an impact here at home. This includes the potential for increased protest activity and acts of violence,” TPS Chief Myron Demkiw said in a news conference on Wednesday. 

New protection measures include a seven-days-a-week major incident command centre, increased presence of officers, more mounted units and police liaison teams around the city, and marked police vehicles with static red and blue lights to patrol communities. 

There will also be three mobile command posts in Jewish neighbourhoods at Bathurst and Glencairn, Bathurst and Sheppard, and Bathurst and Finch. A fourth mobile command post will travel between different mosques across the city. 

During the news conference, Chief Demkiw said 350 hate crimes have been reported since last year, which is 40 per cent more since this time last year and hate crimes against the Jewish community have risen by 69 per cent.

“Over recent weeks, some demonstrators have become increasingly confrontational, and we have seen assaults on officers, including the use of weapons and physical attacks. These actions are dangerous for everyone,” Demkiw said.

Demkiw also addressed ongoing gun violence over the past recent weeks, but reassured the public that the numbers remain consistent compared to previous years. 

YRP officers will also be stationed at two command posts operating in the community to address any safety concerns from Oct. 4 to 8, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to a release. 

One command post will be by the Promenade Shopping Centre on the corner of Bathurst Street and Clark Avenue.

The second command post will be a travelling unit moving between Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham at various grocery stores, malls, and community centres. 

Both YRP and TPS are reminding the public that there is zero tolerance for any hate crimes or violence against anyone. 

Anyone looking to report a hate crime should call the non-emergency line at 1-866-876-5423 or 911 for emergencies.