PS5 & Xbox robberies lead to Toronto issuing public safety alert

With the release of the Xbox Series X and PS5, there is an intense desire to get a next-gen console. Given there is a limited amount right now, there are a lot of scalpers trying to sell theirs for a pretty penny online.

Because of this, Toronto has seen a bit of a crime spike in the last week. The Twitter account for Toronto’s police department has issued a public safety alert, telling people to be weary when selling or buying an Xbox or PS5. Toronto police claims some robberies have taken place with violence and weapons being used. It’s unclear if people are also using the promise of a new console to lure people in to steal their money as well.

People have been pretty critical of the Xbox and PS5 launch. The systems both sold out instantly when they went up for pre-order back in September, giving people very little chance to get one. Xbox also had issues fulfilling orders through Amazon, resulting in shipments being delayed to December 31st. Despite this, Xbox Series X was the biggest launch in the history of the brand. PS5 looks to have fulfilled most, if not all, of their pre-orders. This may be due to the fact they reportedly doubled how many systems they’d have around launch.

Both Xbox and PS5 will continue to be limited throughout 2020. Retailers will have more online (and some in-store) in the coming weeks, including on Black Friday. Those who haven’t been able to get one may be a bit lucky. Both consoles have had some issues, as expected with day one units. The Series X has reportedly had some disc drive issues while some PS5s died within hours of release.

We’ll have reviews of both consoles on GameZone coming soon.