November 7, 2024

HRPS Arrest Suspects Following Residential Break-In, Shoplifting Spree

May 19, 2019 Editor Featured 0

The Halton Regional Police Service, with the assistance of the Montreal Police Service, York Regional Police Service, and the Canada Border Services Agency have teamed up to capture seven individuals believed to be involved in a South American theft group. This group is alleged to have participated in a residential break-in and shoplifting crime spree across the GTA.

This investigation began in early May 2019, when the Montreal Police alerted the Halton Regional Police Service of several individuals attending the GTA for the purpose of committing residential break and enters. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the group had committed entries in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Georgetown, and Pickering. These entries are alleged to have occurred between May 5 and May 15, 2019.

On May 14, 2019, at 8:30 pm, the Halton Regional Police Service observed a group of individuals attend the Toronto Premium Outlet Mall, where they were witnessed entering the Tommy Hilfiger store. Within 15 minutes, the individuals exited the store with several reusable shopping bags and fled the scene. Police later learned that the group had stolen over $1,300 worth of merchandise from the store.

On May 15, 2019, police followed two males (Ritchy Medel Cardenas and William Medel Perez) to a residence in Pickering, where they were observed breaking into a residence. Both males were arrested shortly thereafter and were found to be in possession of property believed to have been stolen from the residence.

Police spent the remainder of May 15, 2019, executing two search warrants in North York and in Mississauga and arrested five other suspects. Investigators are now working to identify the origins of all the recovered property. Although the exact total has yet to be calculated, investigators believe approximately $150,000 worth of jewelry, watches, perfume/cologne and designer clothing was recovered.

This group is believed to have committed other entries and thefts across the GTA. The Halton Police are currently working with their policing partners in efforts determine what other crimes this group has committed during this crime spree.

Detective Sergeant Paul Foley of the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau said, “The results from this investigation demonstrate the effectiveness of police collaborating with their partners, including police from neighbouring provinces, in order to reduce the risk factors that affect community safety.”

CHARGED:

Ritchy Medel Cardenas (22) of no fixed address was charged with:

-Seven counts of break and enter

-Theft – Under $5,000