Four People Face More Than 200 Charges in Ontario Theft Investigation

Police have charged two adults and two youths with more than 200 offences following an investigation into vehicle thefts, commercial break-ins, and other property crimes across Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area.

The charges were laid following an investigation conducted between June and September that identified links between various thefts and the use of stolen vehicles in crimes, according to the Durham Regional Police.

The investigation, which began following two smash-and-grab break-ins at trading card retailers in Ajax on June 14, examined 36 incidents, including eight commercial break-and-enters and 15 vehicle-related offences involving attempted vehicle and licence-plate thefts and thefts from vehicles. The initial incidents in Ajax resulted in approximately $148,000 worth of merchandise being stolen, the release says.

The investigation examined incidents targeting jewelry stores, cannabis dispensaries, trading card retailers, and pawn shops that resulted in nearly $1 million in losses from thefts and damage to business property and vehicles. In some instances, vehicles were driven into storefronts to gain entry, the release says.

“Organized property crime is not a victimless offence. It causes significant financial harm, undermines the community’s perception of safety, and fuels further criminal activity,” Durham Regional Police Acting Deputy Chief Glenn Courneyea said.

Investigators arrested four individuals after executing search warrants at residences throughout the GTA.

Pickering resident Mahith Sivananthan, 18, was charged with 10 counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, 14 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, six counts of theft under $5,000, three counts of attempted theft of a motor vehicle, 24 counts of disguise with intent, four counts of breaking and entering, four counts of possession of break-in instruments, 12 counts of mischief under $5,000, 11 counts of attempted theft over $5,000, two counts of theft from a motor vehicle, and one count of theft of a motor vehicle.

Toronto resident Mohammad Sakrak, 18, was charged with six counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, and four counts of disguise with intent.

A 16-year-old male from Toronto received 16 charges, and a 15-year-old male from Pickering received 92 charges. Neither can be identified due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

All four of the arrested were held for a bail hearing.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, and ask anyone with information, surveillance footage, dashcam footage, or cell phone video related to the incidents to contact Detective Constable Madhavan and the Durham Regional Police West Division Crime Team, or leave an anonymous tip with the Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.