Halton police respond to mailbox thefts, violent crimes, and youth mental health needs

By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Halton Regional Police are investigating a spike in break-and-enter incidents targeting community mailboxes across the region, as officers also laid charges in unrelated robbery and carjacking cases, and announced a new mental health partnership aimed at supporting vulnerable youth.

The largest surge in mailbox break-ins has been reported in Burlington, particularly in the Millcroft and Orchard neighbourhoods. However, police say incidents have also occurred in other parts of Burlington, as well as in Oakville and Milton. The thefts have been happening in the early morning hours between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., with suspects using tools to pry open parcel lockers and steal mail and packages.

Halton police say they have deployed additional patrols in the affected areas but are asking residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. As of Thursday, no arrests had been made in connection with these break-ins. Investigators with the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are handling the case and are urging anyone with information to call 905-825-4777 ext. 2316. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

In a separate investigation, an Oakville man was charged after a violent incident involving a prearranged meeting through a dating app. On May 13, at approximately 1:15 a.m., the male victim met the suspect in a trail system near Lakeshore Road West and East Street after the two had communicated online. The suspect arrived wearing a ski mask—an element both had agreed upon during previous exchanges. During the encounter, the suspect allegedly punched the victim in the face and head, knocking him to the ground before stealing his cellphone and fleeing the area. The victim did not suffer serious physical injuries.

Following an investigation by the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau, police arrested a suspect on June 6 and recovered the victim’s cellphone. Juan Amaya Cordero, 25, of Oakville, has been charged with robbery and possession of property obtained by crime. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court in Milton at a later date. Police say the suspect used the alias “Cruise” during his correspondence with the victim and believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216 or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers.

Police have also arrested a suspect in an attempted carjacking that took place at the Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills on June 7. Around 5:45 p.m., a man returned to his vehicle parked on the fourth floor of the mall’s garage. As he sat in the driver’s seat, a male suspect allegedly opened the door, began hitting and choking him, and tried to drag him out of the vehicle. No weapons were used, and the driver, aided by a group of bystanders, resisted the attack. The suspect fled on foot but was located and arrested nearby. The victim did not sustain serious injuries. Police charged 25-year-old Tyler Tuck of Mississauga with one count of robbery. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

In addition to these investigations, Halton police this week announced an enhanced partnership with the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK), the lead agency for children and youth mental health in the region. The initiative will embed ROCK crisis counsellors within the HRPS Youth Team. The counsellors will assist officers during non-emergency calls, provide additional training, and support other youth-related initiatives.

The partnership aims to streamline access to mental health support and ensure that children, youth and their families receive timely, effective services when in crisis. Police say the addition of ROCK staff strengthens their commitment to supporting young people in need and builds on the longstanding collaboration between the two organizations.

Police are reminding the public that anonymous tips can always be submitted to Crime Stoppers by phone or online. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.