Wednesday June 14, 2006

As Toronto Police investigate yet another apparent instance of dangerous street racing, their counterparts in York Region are about to take a massive step of their own in fighting the problem.

The solution - publicly destroying two cars involved in the illegal activity.

On Thursday, cops in the area north of the city will use special provisions of the law to junk the two vehicles that had been specially modified with a need for speed.

The cars were seized in 2003 and 2004 when cops caught them being used to tear down a stretch of highway.

It's all part of a section of the law called the Civil Remedies Act that grants the courts authority to freeze, seize and forfeit any evidence or proceeds used in an activity determined to be illegal or a danger to public safety. Once the Crown gets its hands on the goods, it's free to do whatever it wants with the items.

And in this case, that means graphically destroying both cars. It's the first time any souped-up automobiles will have been deliberately junked by the law to make a point.

But cops vow it won't be the last.

"Street racing is a dangerous, unlawful activity that puts innocent people at risk," warns York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge in a statement. "This is what will happen to your prized possession if you continue to race on York Region roads."

Since 1999, 34 people have died as a result of street racing in the G.T.A.