By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Halton police are investigating a surge in pickpocket thefts at Toronto Premium Outlets, with over 100 cell phones stolen since November. Meanwhile, two men have been arrested in a human trafficking case involving both underage and adult victims, and a separate suspect faces charges for allegedly trafficking an adult woman.
POLICE INVESTIGATE RASH OF PICKPOCKET THEFTS
The police are investigating a series of pickpocket thefts at the Toronto Premium Outlets. Since mid-November 2024, more than 100 cell phones have been reported lost or stolen there.
According to police, 104 incidents have been recorded, with suspects targeting unsuspecting shoppers who use their phones while browsing stores. Investigators have released security footage of one reported theft to raise public awareness and show how these crimes are carried out.
Police say the suspects often work in teams of two or more, identifying potential victims and following them until an opportunity arises. One suspect will then bump into or brush against the shopper while discreetly taking the phone from an unsecured jacket pocket. The stolen device is then quickly passed to an accomplice, making the theft harder to detect.
The police are actively working to solve these thefts and have issued a series of safety tips for shoppers. They advise the public to secure phones in a fastened-inside jacket pocket or pouch when not in use, maintain a firm grip on devices in crowded areas, and never leave phones unattended. They also urge shoppers to remain aware of their surroundings and to be cautious of individuals who may be watching or following them.
TWO ARRESTED IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATION
The police have arrested two men and laid multiple charges following a lengthy human trafficking investigation involving both underage and adult victims.
The investigation began in February 2023 after police received a report of a 17-year-old girl allegedly being sexually trafficked by a male suspect in Burlington and the Greater Toronto Area. The HRPS Human Trafficking Unit took over the case and, during their investigation, identified three additional adult women who the same suspect had also exploited.
According to police, the suspect advertised sexual services and posted the victims’ photos on social media platforms while coercing, controlling, and profiting from their involvement in the sex trade. As the investigation progressed, a second male suspect was identified as being involved in trafficking one of the adult victims.
On Dec. 15, 2023, police arrested Aaron Verghese, 22, of Burlington. He was charged with multiple offences and remains in custody pending trial. On Jan. 28, 2025, investigators arrested William Osei-Opoku, 28, of Pickering. He has also been charged with multiple offences and is being held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton. Police believe there may be additional victims and urge anyone with information to come forward.
POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN SEX TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATION
The police have arrested and charged a suspect following an investigation into a case of human trafficking in Burlington and the Greater Toronto Area.
The investigation began in early January 2025 after police received a report of an adult woman allegedly being trafficked by the suspect. The HRPS Human Trafficking Unit took over the case. It determined that over approximately 10 months, the suspect physically and sexually assaulted the victim while coercing, controlling, and exploiting her in the sex trade for financial gain.
On Jan. 27, 2025, police arrested Michael Mazza, 40, of no fixed address. He has been charged with multiple offences and remains in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton. Investigators believe there may be additional victims connected to the accused and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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