Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) have arrested two males and laid Break and Enter related charges after a proactive traffic stop in Oakville.
On Nov. 29, 2024, at approximately 6:13 p.m. HRPS officers observed a white Dodge SUV parked suspiciously on Lions Valley Park Road near the entrance to a trail system which led to Forest Manor Gate.
HRPS officers conducted a traffic stop and three suspects dressed in dark clothing ran from the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was immediately taken into custody and a second suspect apprehended after a short foot pursuit.
As a result of the on scene investigation Bastian Luciano Pinto Mell (28) and Esteban Leonardo Beroiza Rios (28), both Chilean nations of no fixed address, have been charged with the following offences:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence – Break and Enter
- Possession of Break and Enter Instruments
Both have been held in custody pending a bail hearing.
It is believed the arrested males are part of a South American Theft Group that operate in Southern Ontario in the late fall to early spring committing organized residential break and enters.
"Organized Crime knows no jurisdictional boundary," said Superintendent Dave Costantini. "We are well aware of South American Theft Groups targeting our community and have taken steps to bolster public safety."
"Our message to these theft groups is simple: We will be relentless in our pursuit to apprehend you, and it is only a matter of time. We will continue to work with our policing partners, the Canada Border Services Agency, and our community members to ensure that members of these groups are held accountable."
Efforts to identify the two remaining suspects are ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation, including any security or dash cam video from the area of Forest Manor Gate and Riverbank Way between the hours of 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216
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.
For more information on our Oakville Break and Enter Public Advisory, see https://bit.ly/3Zk2pcq