5 arrests made, dozens of charges laid in connection to series of Guelph break-ins
Police recovered $100K in stolen cigarettes, 800 lottery tickets and $10K in cash
Police in Guelph have arrested and charged five Toronto-area men in connection to a series of break-ins involving nine convenience stores and one auto body repair shop.
According to a release sent out by Guelph Police Service (GPS) on Monday, police began investigating a series of commercial break-ins in December. Large quantities of cigarettes and OLG lottery scratch tickets were stolen from the convenience stores. Two vehicles were also stolen from a Guelph auto repair shop and used to aid additional break-ins, police said.
The investigation by the GPS Break Enter and Auto Theft Unit led officers to a group of men from the GTA who police believed were working together.
Four men were arrested with help from the Drug and Intelligence units. A fifth man was already in custody on a separate charge.
"At the time police made arrests, some of the accused were in the process of purchasing balaclavas," the release said.
Approximately 6,500 packs of cigarettes were recovered, valued at $100,000 and more than 800 OLG lottery scratch tickets. Police also found $10,000 of cash as well as ski masks and break-in tools.
Five men from Toronto and Brampton are facing dozens of charges including break and enter, disguise with intent and possession of stolen property over $5,000. They range in age from 24 to 37.
The group of men are also connected to 10 break-ins in Waterloo region and two in London, and police said they expect the men will be facing more charges.
"This investigation has interrupted a significant property crime group impacting Southern Ontario businesses," the release said.
"The successful conclusion of this investigation by our Break Enter and Auto Theft Unit demonstrates the value of strategic public safety investments in our community. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to address multi-jurisdictional crime as we seek to ensure the safety our citizens. Those who commit these crimes in our city can expect to be held accountable," said Guelph Police Chief Gord Cobey in the release.