Spike in retail thefts across Halton prompts police appeal for public assistance

By Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

A rise in retail theft across the Halton Region has prompted police to seek public assistance in identifying a number of suspects linked to recent high-profile incidents.

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) says property crime is on the rise, with a series of thefts reported at retail outlets in Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills. Authorities say they are stepping up enforcement and calling on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Among the recent incidents:

— On April 15, three women allegedly attempted to steal merchandise from Longo’s on Fairview Street in Burlington. Police say the suspects abandoned two carts full of unpaid items and fled in a white Volvo bearing Texas licence plate VJB1861.

— On April 6, two men reportedly stole more than $1,900 in clothing from Ralph Lauren at Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills. One suspect is described as a South Asian male, aged 20–30, with long hair and a black Nike hoodie. The second suspect is a white male, aged 35–45, wearing an olive-coloured hoodie.

— On April 14, a male suspect is alleged to have tricked staff at The Hunnypot Cannabis store on Appleby Line in Burlington out of $100 by pocketing change from two $100 bills and claiming he was short-changed.

— On May 17, more than $800 in cosmetics were stolen from Sephora at 900 Maple Ave. in Burlington. Police describe the suspect as a white male in his 40s or 50s wearing eyeglasses and a Tommy Hilfiger shirt. A separate Sephora location in Milton was also targeted on March 31, with a female suspect reportedly making off with over $400 in products.

— In a theft at Best Buy on April 5, a man allegedly walked out with a $1,300 coffee machine. He is described as bald, Middle Eastern in appearance, with a full beard and wearing a grey coat.

— A man reportedly concealed over $150 in meat products in his clothing before leaving Farm Boy in Burlington on March 29 without paying.

— On March 19, a woman is suspected of stealing more than $200 in merchandise from Reitmans in Burlington after hiding items in her bag in the fitting room.

— A TaylorMade driver valued at $900 was reportedly stolen from Golf Town on Appleby Line in Burlington on March 24. The suspect fled in a black Honda SUV.

— On March 12, a 60-to-65-year-old man allegedly concealed seven packages of multi-vitamins worth more than $700 at Fortinos on New Street in Burlington. Police say he returned the items after being approached by loss prevention staff but fled the scene.

Police are urging anyone who recognizes the suspects to contact the HRPS Retail Theft Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 2205.

Photos of the suspects and more information can be found in the Retail Theft section of the HRPS website. https://bit.ly/3tLg7Dl.

Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity and assist police in protecting businesses and the community.