The Halton Regional Police Service – 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau has made three more arrests in connection with a series of break-ins into garages, sheds and vehicles in Halton region. After a week-long investigation into these crimes that began in late May, the HRPS had made the first arrest on June 2, 2021. The latest arrests were made on June 9, 2021 after a Criminal Code search warrant was executed at an address in Hamilton and on two vehicles.
The police pressed charges of Fraud Under $5000, Utter Forged Document and Possession of Stolen Property on all three of them. While two of them were released on an Undertaking, the third accused is being held in custody, pending a bail hearing. HRPS charged the third person additionally with Break and Enter, Possess Break and Enter Tools, Fail to Comply Undertaking, Trespass at Night, Theft Under and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
About $70,000 worth of stolen goods were recovered, when the Halton Police had made the first arrest of a male in his late twenties from Hamilton with the assistance of Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) 2 District.
According to the HRPS, a total of 37 incidents were reported since May 23, 2021, where vehicles, outdoor sheds and garages were forcefully entered. It can be noted that Oakville had witnessed significant rise in break-ins into automobiles and garages in the last two weeks of May, especially in areas like Bronte, Glen Abbey and West Oakville.
During the preliminary investigation, the police determined that in many incidents, the accused stole the garage door opener from the vehicle parked in the victim’s driveway and then entered the garage. The victim used a stolen car to carry out the crimes and stole several items including high-end bicycles and expensive tools. He was charged with the following offences:
Break and Enter, Theft Under $5000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Trespass at Night, Fraud Under $5000, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Trafficking Stolen Property.
The HRPS continues its investigation to identify other possible suspects, who could be involved in these incidents. The police also seeks public help and anyone with information regarding the same can contact the following investigators:
D/Cst Cole Richards - 3 District Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 2345.
D/Cst Mark Bingham – 2 District Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 2268.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The Halton police also reminds the community of the following safety tips in order to prevent occurrence of these types of crimes:
- Ensure your vehicle doors are always locked
- Always roll up your windows
- Remove all valuables from your vehicle
- Leave an exterior light on to illuminate your driveway at night
- Remove your garage door opener