‘Items can be replaced, but lives cannot’: York Region police chief clarifies comments about how to deal with home intruders

York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween attends a press conference at the York Regional Police Headquarters in Aurora, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

After urging the public to “not take matters in their own hands” when it comes to home intruders following a deadly home invasion in Kleinburg, Ont., York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween says he understands why some Ontarians “took exception” to this piece of advice, clarifying his comments “had nothing to do with politics or with concern over force.”

During a news conference on Wednesday, York Regional Police revealed that in the early morning of Aug. 31, at least three men, through the back door, forced their way into the house in the area of Andreeta Drive and Barons Street.

They allegedly then shot the victim—identified as 46-year-old Abdul Aleem Farooqi—after he “confronted” them inside the home.

Farooqi, who lived in the home with his wife and four children, died at the scene. Nobody else sustained physical injuries, police said. The suspects remain at large.

Following the incident, MacSween gave advice to homeowners who find themselves with intruders.

“In the unlikely event that you find yourself the victim of a home invasion, we are urging citizens not to take matters into their own hands,” MacSween said at the outset of Wednesday’s news conference.

“While we don’t want homeowners to feel powerless, we urge you to call 911 and do everything you can to keep yourself and loved ones safe until police arrive and be the best witness possible. This could mean locking yourself in a room away from the perpetrators, hiding, fleeing the home, but don’t engage unless absolutely necessary. As it stands, we know the best defence for most people is to comply.”

In his letter, published two days later, MacSween acknowledged that some Ontarians “took exception” to this piece—a reaction the police chief says he understands.

“I understand the feelings of pain and anger boiling to the surface in our community. And I understand why people feel the need to fight back, and are dissatisfied with any direction to do otherwise,” MacSween said.

MacSween adds that this is a suggested tactic should citizens find themselves face-to-face with an armed intruder.

“When it comes to defending property, material items can be replaced—but lives cannot,” the police chief wrote.

He continued to say that there isn’t one piece of advice that can prepare people when faced with a trespasser, except that they should immediately call the authorities and avoid interacting with or engaging the suspect. MacSween says this has “proven” to be effective in these cases.

“These situations are dynamic, chaotic, and difficult to assess in the moment,” the YRP Chief said.

MacSween couched his advice by adding that citizens “should do what they deem necessary” to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones.

The police chief expressed his condolences again to Farooqi’s family, as memorial services were held for the late father this week.

“My heart goes out to all grappling with the violent murder of a husband, father, brother, friend and leader,” MacSween said.

Farooqi’s brother, Naeem, said he died the way he had lived, as a “hero.”

“That is a man. That is a person who actually believes family comes first, and he did whatever he could, and you know, three cowards came in and changed everything for our family that night,” Naeem said Wednesday morning.

‘Criminal justice system is failing Canadians,’ OACP says

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) released their own statement on Friday, expressing how they share the same feelings of frustration with the province’s “broken” justice system.

“Ontario’s police leaders recognize the strong emotions generated by recent cases involving homeowners defending themselves against intruders,” the statement reads.

Also in August, a man was awoken by an intruder inside his Lindsay, Ont., apartment one early morning, leading to an altercation where the suspect sustained life-threatening injuries. The resident was charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon, while the intruder faced break-and-enter-related charges.

“These recent criminal acts make it absolutely clear that there are deeper, systemic issues involved,” the OACP said.

The group renewed their calls for “urgent” changes to the country’s bail system, noting an imbalance when it comes to the considerations of Canadians’ safety, and said the country needs a justice system with “teeth”—meaning convicted offenders face “meaningful consequences.”

“Increasing numbers of home invasions and other violent crimes in Ontario clearly demonstrate that the criminal justice system is failing Canadians,” the OACP said, underlining an “urgent need” for bail and corrections reform as well as enhanced resources for policing.

“We acknowledge that justice reform, including bail reform, is complex and must be guided by Charter principles, but complexity cannot be an excuse for inaction.”